Complete Equality?

The women's movement beginning in the early 1900's led the way radical but necessary political change. As a result of the efforts of those who supported the movement, we now enjoy a society in which women and men receive the same opportunities and are treated and valued with the same level of respect. Today, women hold positions all over the job world, from politics to CEO's. Women continue to become more independent and successful as a gender as time goes on and with the majority of college students being women, it seems as if this pattern might continue. Though colossal strides have been made, there are still some individuals and elements of society that continue mistreat women. However, society is working hard snuff out any inequalities wherever they arise. Though society today stands to foster gender equality and integration, there is one element where the gender difference seems most wide: athletics.

As I watch ESPN, (which I do quite often I might add), I gain little insight into the world of female athletics. I always hear, through comedy skits on Comedy Central or by word of mouth, how much of a joke the WNBA is. I am always bothered by the disrespect and lack of support and Women sports receive as oppose to men, particularly at the professional level. Feminists admit, that it is true females athletic ability, due to the minimal levels of testosterone in their body,  and thus, in many sports, basketball for example, the level at which men play at is higher than women. That said, admitting that there is inequality in gender's biological makeup and thus their level of performance and societal support, is equality a possibility in the realm of sports and competition?

The introduction of Title IX in 1972 seemed to be the equalizer and indeed, through its separate but equal policy, it has provided women in high schools across the nation opportunities in leadership, teamwork, and in rare cases, a career path. Though opportunities are given to both genders, there is an obvious difference in the level of societal support. Seeing as it is impossible to will society to like something and support both genders equally, as long as the current structure remains in place, it seems that the area of athletics will remain unequal and a testament of the one gender's superiority over another. Indeed, it makes it very difficult to preach equality and convince others that women are just as capable as men in all aspects when there is evident inequality in the world of sports. As the solutions seem limited,  there are some who believe that we must continue along with the theme of complete equality and look to integrate genders in athletic activity. This solution would not only solve the problem of transgenders, but might improve the quality of play among women. The problems with this, men might continue to dominate the various leagues, undermining women athletic ability and providing, once again, an example as to why men are superior to women. My solution: require each team to have a certain number of women and play them a certain amount of time each game. That way, women are playing together with men and are guaranteed playing time at all levels. Though this problem, giving the biological differences, is very difficult to overcome, I believe there is still a better way to ensure equality among the sexes in the world of competition and will continue the search for a solution.