Competing Against Men?
Kudos goes to Kelly Kulick, who is the first woman to qualify for the Professional Bowlers Association Tour. She's a 29-year old from Union, N.J. who works in her father's auto-body shop.
According to the New York Times article about Kulick, published on June 15, some men in the PBA are upset at the idea of a woman playing on what has traditionally been a men's sport and a men's tour. The article goes on to quote Tommy Jones, a 27 year-old previous winner of the Tour, "I think every guy is scared to bowl a woman, because you don't want to be the first to lose to one."
This is obviously not the first time women have had to confront men's upsets when women show them up. Nevertheless, Kulick is a model for me of a woman going for her dreams in the face of sexism.
But why is it so important that women compete against men? Does it matter that a woman can "beat" a man? Or should we instead focus on "our personal best?"
I think it is important for women to compete against men sometimes. It's not that I want women to dominate or humiliate men. But competing against men in sports teaches a lesson about our personal power. It teaches us to not back down when men try to intimidate women. It teaches us about how to be brave in fighting the battles over important issues that affect all of us. It teaches us to learn to win, a goal that women sometimes don't feel comfortable with.
I want a women's perspective to be included where ever decisions are being made: In education, in the Jewish community, in local government, in international affairs-in every organization and institution that impacts our lives. Ultimately, women's influence will improve life for everyone, including men. I want more women to take on the nasty battles, instead of sitting on the sidelines and shaking our heads about how off-base male leaders can be.
The more women are willing to learn how to battle with men over important issues, and learn to ignore the temper tantrums and bullying men sometimes display when feeling threatened, the more victories we will experience in having our dreams come true.
Thanks Kelly, for inspiring us all.
Females won't allow guys to intervene/participate in their sports, and etc. as they know that they are of no match against us. It's funny to know that people on Earth doesn't give a damn when a guy beats a women in sports as it is the norm and how natural evolution has taught us. However, breaking news will be reported all over places when a women beats a men (might be luck or the man is refusing to compete against a woman); just like a turtle winning against a rabbit in a race. You see.. to count the exact amount of successes of males over females, that would be a daunting number... The reason we men do not do such a thing is that we respect females (true soft, caring, etc. females and not those who tries to compete with men) as who they are and the different roles we embodied.
revers it, tell me how women would feel if men started to compete in their sports,,, what if men wanted to be in the LPGA, golf against the women, or men in the WBA and play basketball against them..... what if boys wanted to join the Girl Scouts.... you see where I am going?
woman are human beings too. THey have the right to participate in whichever sport they choose. it is not sad that women strive to become athletic and educated , for thgese things are not only made for men. how is it fair that woman stay at home teending to house chores while thier hisbands have the right to do watever they want. your thoughts are too primitive . we r in the 21st century , u apparently rnt.
Women have not yet realized their true power, and that is in their ability to uplift, nurture, embrace and support their man. It's sad that women have abandoned these most feminine (and G-d ordained) virtues and instead are more interested in becoming "masculineized".
Many women today have lost their way... it's very sad.
The admonition against upsetting the feelings of those with power now--hurting morale--was the argument made for not integrating troops during WWII and not having gays in the military now. Of course the clear solution for the threat to the delicate feelings of todays male bowlers is to have Kelly compete and win. The other excellent bowlers might survive and live to bowl another day against anyone who makes the cut. Surviving your worst fears is always a growth experience. In this way Kelly's achievents help both women and men broaden our horizons.