TO THE EDITOR:
Recently, I read the following kvetch: “I didn’t think I could care about the World Cup less until I found out that there was a Women’s World Cup.” Uninformed views like those expressed by the kvetcher only serve to promote the idea women are inferior in sports to their male counterparts. I do not anticipate this article will influence the kvetcher to enjoy soccer, but I hope it makes people respect how far women’s athletics have come in a short period of time.
Brazil banned women’s soccer until the 1980s, but nobody would guess the newness of their program watching Marta, who many want to play for Brazil’s men’s team. Considering Marta’s lack of resources, funding and the recent admission of allowing women to play, the rapid development of females in sports is obvious.
Furthermore, UNC alumna Mia Hamm has scored more international goals than any male or female player. Now that female sports are beginning to gain traction in the arena of public opinion, we are beginning to see instances in which female athletes can perform at the same levels as men.
When I hear people’s apathy towards women’s sports, it does not anger me, but their ignorance baffles me. An instance of women’s capability outside of soccer is the 1970s tennis “battle of the sexes” in which women actually won. I believe female athletes are underestimated, but given time and effort, they can reach the same competitive levels of males.
Alex Davies
Junior
Psychology
