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Runner's World ran a story on their site today that reminded me of a post I did in June 2012. The RW article is titled "Do Women-Only Races Still Have a Purpose?"and my post was titled "Are gender-specific races sexist?" In both posts, the point was made that the original reason for having "women-only" races was to provide a safe experience for women.
I didn't write my 2012 post to debate that reasoning. I agreed that women-only races were a good idea back in 1972 when women were marginalized as competitors. Even worse, women encountered hostility from men who were clearly threatened by female competition. But in 2014, gender plays no role in the outcome of an open race and I have never seen hostility directed towards women at any event. In fact, in 2013, almost 2/3 of participants in open races are women (per the RW article).
I think what continues to bother me about women-only races is the tacit suggestion that: 1. women are still disenfranchised, 2. women have not yet achieved parity with men in non-professional competitions and 3. women need to be treated differently. This type of exclusion would not fly in other circumstances where a population's civil rights have been restricted. Can you imagine if someone suggested a "gay-only" race to the LGBT community or a race that excluded all but one ethnicity? You can say this is different, but is it really?
Despite my arguments, I appreciate that many women seem to love the experience and the camaraderie of events like the Mini-10K and the Diva and Princess Half Marathons. But I still think it supports a double standard.
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I agree. I have never run in a race where I didn't feel safe. I haven't signed up for a zombie race for this reason, but that's a different issue. I am not a diva nor a princess so I can't see myself participating in either of these events. Nothing about them appeals to me (I remember TPP's review of Diva from a couple of years ago!). I think you should run Diva next year to protest! To show my support, I'll provide your tutu and tiara.
ReplyDeleteSomething is going on with Blogger because my replies both disappeared. Anyway, I appreciate your avoiding the zombie race. I noticed that you also haven't done any races with bears.
DeleteThe Diva protest sounds like a great idea. Per TPP, I think I'd make more of a statement if I wore the shorts/running tight combo.
I just lost my entire post. Let me know if it shows up.
ReplyDeleteI don't have a problem with a women's only race. Nor a gay only race. Don't have a problem if I can't qualify for a 'people from suffolk county only' race, or a race celebrating only a single zodiac sign. Nor do I feel put off by a male only race. I think it's more about sharing and celebrating a commonality in belief or life experience, and NOT about exclusion.
ReplyDeleteAnd men are allowed to run the Diva! And you DON'T have to wear a tutu skirt or boa. Just those shorts that SIOR likes to see you in! *snicker*
I think you make really good points. But it's the fine line between commonality in belief and exclusion that bothers me. It's not unlike the free speech argument when you think about it. For example, I wouldn't be too supportive of a white supremacist 5K...
DeleteOh, I didn't know that men were allowed to run the Diva race! It's not the shorts, TPP, it's the shorts/leggings combo. The sheggings, if you will.
Deleteoh yeah.. that's right! He'll fit right in!
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