All posts tagged WNBA

Do you watch the WNBA or any women’s sports? I’ll admit that I don’t. I don’t always have sports on, but when I do, my husband and I are usually watching a specific game. Do I feel guilty that I spend my time watching men’s sports? Kind of, well, yes I do. I guess I feel I should support the women because they are women, but really, shouldn’t we all support each other in fulfilling our dreams?

I asked my husband why he doesn’t watch women’s sports and he said that it’s not exciting enough for him. The women are awesome athletes, he said, but part of the thrill of the game is imagining yourself out there on the floor and he can’t do that while watching them.

I totally get where he’s coming from.

But what about me, what about you? Why don’t we watch?

For me I think it comes down to being lazy and not taking the time to be informed. I don’t think I’ve ever thought about sports not being equal, because I grew up in a house with a dad who taught us how to play with, and as good as, the boys. He always had faith in us so I did too.

I took it for granted that all girls had this upbringing. Apparently not. Perhaps that is why I was struck by the answer WNBA All-Star Becky Hammons gave when asked this question.

STL – What would you say to younger girls that play basketball but yet do not support women’s and girls’ basketball as a whole?

Becky – I think that is one of the saddest things I come across for a couple reasons….

First of all, let’s not forget our history ladies. It wasn’t so long ago that women weren’t allowed to compete in sports. So many unfulfilled dreams, so many opportunities that were denied simply because you were a woman. We all stand on the foundations that someone else who went ahead of us built. And more than likely the foundation was built out of blood, sweat, broken dreams, and tears. And if we’re not careful, and if we don’t support each other, all that hard work could crumble. The opportunity is not promised to be there tomorrow. It’s still fragile, because it’s still a very young ideology.

Secondly, young girls, young women, and middle-aged women, we are failing to see the bigger picture here! It’s not just about the WNBA or sports; it’s about equality and respect-which every human being deserves, whether male or female. Breaking barriers and stereotypes so that when YOUR daughter, YOUR niece, YOUR mother walks into that job interview SHE will have an EQUAL shot getting hired and paid the same as if a male walks in for that same job position…

I love when a little boy or girl comes up and has my jersey on, or wants an autograph, why? Because they’re growing up in a culture that views women as strong, smart, athletic, capable, and worthy of respect.

Last point.. I get tired of hearing people say, “well you walk into a women’s basketball game and you see so many women.” WELL, I’d counter, you walk into a men’s game and you see mostly men. THIS is an important point, because at the end of the day, it can’t be an “us” versus “them” mentality. We all need each other. In GENERAL it is mostly men who watch, support, follow sports, and that’s why I go back to my point of even if you’re not an athlete, or not a woman, or you don’t know an athlete, it’s still important to support it, because in the end, it affects everyone one of us, male or female because of the bigger picture is represents in our society. UNITY is an amazing word and when its captured, produces amazing results. But ladies, how can we ask the guys to support it, when we don’t support it ourselves! WE need EVERYONE, but ladies, let’s start with ourselves!

The whole interview with Becky Hammons can be found by clicking here.

If you don’t watch women’s sports, why not? If you do, what got you interested?

I know I’m going to take the time to actively look for the women’s games, if only to support a fledgling league. I mean shoot, I still root for the Houston Texans when they play, just because they are a newer franchise.

I have to say though, this picture makes it look a little more exciting since the last time I caught a game.

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