Kaitlyn Daignault
Professor Waters
Philosophy
Women in Western Ideas
May 2nd, 2013

Assignment:
Women in Sports Final Paper

Notwithstanding
WE CAN DO IT

Women have always been, and continue to be, discriminated against. This is especially true in the realm of sports. Although this is fact, it does remain to be a particularly controversial topic. Activists have worked hard to supply rights to women, and other divisions of society, in demand to make just as many opportunities obtainable to this faction, as there are available to the ‘common white man.’ Perpetuated thoughts against this argument have branched from days as early as Aristotle and other celebrated philosophers. Times are progressing toward more equality in this area, however; in order to present these basic human rights to women, a specific law had to be put in affect. The passing of this edict also came along with many misinterpretations, which still inhabit stubborn minds today. Apart from this ordinance, many women partook an enormous influence on proving woman can actually compete and challenge men on the playing field, court, etc. From the beginning of time, women have existed right alongside with men. Many questions were conjured up as to why the physical existence is so distinct from each body. Many different philosophers constructed their own unique views on this matter. Aristotle believed that women are absolute subsidiary to men, thus establishing, anything women can do, men can do better, faster and stronger. Another world-renowned man, Rousseau, believed that men women existed with different capabilities, and women were here only to please men and carry out domestic and maternal duties. Also, as Aristotle claimed, Rousseau too contested that men stand above women. Similar to Rousseau, a philosopher by the name of Kant attested, women are to be wed, and therefore the servant of the husband. Kant also alleged, women were excluded from active citizenship. Legendary theorist Plato spoke very opposite to these views and understood gender played a very minute role in the value of men or women. Plato was certain that if presented the same upbringing and opportunities in areas like, language, education, arts and physical activity: both genders could be just as efficacious as the other, however; Plato did believe the only ability that was not equal was physical strength. Sports do require physical strength but with strong argument, sports are performed more with skill. Backing up, if given the same opportunity men and women can be equally successful. Here, it is clearly comprehended why so many troubles for women’s equality have sprouted and over time, grown to include the deprivation of rights on the playing fields. This understood because, Aristotle, Rousseau, Kant, and Plato were very well known and respected intellectuals and, as politics has always been practiced, people believe, gravitate, and coincide towards the more powerful and charismatic figures, therefore women began to be portrayed with negative deliberations, made by men from almost the beginning. Something had to be done to ensure women were guaranteed a chance to compete with, against, or separate from men. ‘Title IX’ was the name of the law, passed on July 21, 1975, that was put into place, warranting equal participation rights in sports to all women, of all race, religions, and ethnicities alike. Title IX also applies to various other areas. Title IX states: “No person in the United States shall, n the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied that benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under and education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance” (Title IX of the Education Amendments od 1972, P.L. 92-318, 20 U.S. C. S. section 1681 et seq.) Title IX is known for: protection students from bullying and harassment, requiring fair treatment for pregnant and parenting students, opening doors for women to pursue math and science, and is best known for breaking down the barriers in sports for women and girls. (NWLC). With the passing of this remarkable law many cases have sprung up and were taken to courts across the nation where women and girls have won time and time again claiming their rights. As great as this achievement was, just like everything in life, clarifications needed to be made. Many people seem to entertain the thought that Title IX has done its job and may no longer be needed. In reality this impression is very mistaken. Cases for Title IX are sadly still being brought to attention across the U.S. Others presume men’s sports are being hindered as well, which is not fact by any means. Another argument that needs to be put to rest is the idea that schools are losing money because women’s sports do not generate much money as the men’s. This is clearly a false presumption, as is it seen unmistakably that income of moneys to schools from sporting programs vary season to season, year to year. In fact, some of the biggest influences on women in sports were college athletes at some point in their lives. Perhaps one of the most amazing women in sports would be, Julia Chase-Brand. Julia was born in 1942, and raised in Groton, Connecticut. Ms. Brand flourished on a four-acre farm with four brothers, where she spent a lot of her time hanging with the guys running and playing ice hockey. Running was Julia’s passion; to the point she would try and miss the bus so she had to run to school. Taking a liking to John Kelly, a locally well-known teacher, Kelly would watch as he ran and eventually asked to train alongside him where Kelly got her started, training with George Terry. Her first race was a half a mile in Needham and after only a month of training Julia won and broke the track record, a huge accomplishment at eight-teen. With competition in her blood Brand wanted to go longer but for a woman to run over 880 yards was not heard of. Running was so rare that people claimed a woman’s uterus would fall out if she had run too much. Since her school, Smith College did not have a track team, the first attempt at a big race was the, 4.7 mile Manchester Road Race. Here the crowd did not interpret a woman’s participation well. Officials met Julia at the starting line, where she was sent home. The next year Julia presented herself again, but this time banded with two others and did not take no for an answer. Brand ran the race and after a delayed start she finished 128th place, with a time of thirty-three minutes and forty seconds, before twelve men.
Julia Chase-Brand confirms that a woman is just as able, if not, more capable than a man when it comes to running a long distance road race.
Knowing how far the United Sates has come to advocate for women’s privileges for equality in sports is extremely gratifying, yet more could be done to solidify this, with no accompanying interrogations. With the formalities of Title IX, women from all corners on the United States will continue to fight, just like Julia Chase-Brand, for their birthrights and prove to all non-believers that, notwithstanding the misconstrued conceptions made by ancient philosophers, woman can be, and will be just as, if not more successful in sports as a man could be.

Sources:

"Harriet Taylor (1807 - 1858)." BBC News. BBC, n.d. Web. 02 May 2013.

"History." Overview. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 May 2013.

"Plato vs Aristotle's View of Women." Plato vs Aristotle S View of Women. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 May 2013.

"Rousseau's View on Women?" WikiAnswers. Answers, n.d. Web. 02 May 2013.

"Title IX." National Women's Law Center. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 May 2013.

"Why Doesn't Immanuel Kant Think Women Should Fight in War?" Questions & Answers. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 May 2013.