I agree. We've come a long way and still have a long way to go--in equality in general, not just athletics. I feel like that was the bottom line of almost any discussion that ever took place in my Women's Studies classes.

I often think about what can be done to change the situation that you mentioned, "Men's sports draw more revenue than women's sports. Popular culture is centered around men's sports, so for now, they hold the cards." It's a catch-22... Women's sports will not be on television nearly as much because they don't draw as much revenue. But how will interest level rise and more money be made unless women's sports are on television more to create more exposure?

Yeah, it was most certainly strange how much controversy there was over it. Especially considering that many women go on runs and compete in shorts and a sports bra. Similarly, women wear just about the same exact thing to go swimming and it's totally acceptable.

Your point made me think of blog entry about a technical foul Candace Parker received last season. Parker stole the basketball and jammed it with one hand at the other end of a fast break with 12:56 left in the first half of the Lady Vols game against West Virginia. Parker finished by popping her jersey. That led officials to confer with each other, and a technical was called.



I can't help but thinking how many male college basketball players dunk the ball and then showboat afterwards, playing to the cameras--not only not getting called for technicals, but being admired as superior athletes.


But back to the "how far we've come!" Check out some of the most influential events in sports history and the women that have impacted equality the most.