The Track and Field World Championships wrapped up competition just about a week ago in Berlin, Germany .But of course, an international meet wouldnt be complete with out a little bit of controversy.
Eightteen year old Caster Semenya of South Africa had been questioned before the World Championships about whether or not she is a man, but was still allowed to compete in the Women's 800 at the Championships . She/He (b/c I really dont know and cant pass judgement on any one) easily won the 800 m race at the World Championships with a time of 1:55.45. But some thought it to be a little too easy. It was even reported that at a petrol station at Cape Town, Semenya was headed toward the female toilets but was stopped by petrol attendants and prevented from going to the restroom because they were convinced she was a man. One might suggest, such as my 13 yr old brother did, just have her take her pants down, but it isnt quite that simple. Semenya must under-go gender tests to prove she is a woman.
This unfortunate situation of gender controversy reminds me of a somewhat similar situation that took place a little over the 150 years ago.
The famous female abolitionist Sojuorner Truth was also questioned about her gender at one point in her life. And to prove her femininity she flashed, yes flashed everyone so they could see that indeed she was a woman. She also deliverer her famous speech, "Aint I a Woman" in 1851 in Akron , Ohio, in which she compared the work she did to the work a man does but still proclaimed AINT I A WOMAN!!!!!
