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!!!!!
I'd like to point out that you presented a wonderful correlation between the two!!!
ReplyDeleteBut-
You know what: I've been given this some thought...First I want to take a look at her name. I'm just going to state the facts:
He/She-
CASTOR
Gender: Masculine
But one of the meanings is "to shine, to excel"- parents could have just been clever-
Her name could just be a name-
"Mokgadi" (the name her mother referred to her as) is feminine. Why not call her first name in the first place? Im just asking....
But since everyone is getting to the nitty gritty I wanted to as well. Put it like this--
Truth be told---
Either way this mofo is gonna gain... Let me explain- Caster Semenya comes from a very small village without electricity or running water any type of profit or publicity she gets is only going to benefit not only her but her family...Id like to touch base with a few articles I found from Mirror.co.uk. who in which brought up several good points- What comes next from Semenya?
If the tests prove she is a girl, Semenya will surely look to build on her world title. But if she becomes the latest athlete in the questionable gender category, she will be looking for a whole new career.
Just to mention a few:
1.Sign up for a reality TV show. Gender is no barrier to reality TV success
2.Switch to football. South Africa are hosting the World Cup next year and Semenya was the only girl at her village club.
3.Become the face of a razor advertising campaign. A blade that leaves your skin feeling smooth and soft but can deal with manly amounts of hair is surely just what every girl needs.
4.Become a politician. Semenya has enjoyed massive support at home in South Africa, where they have rallied around their golden girl.
5.Write an autobiography. She may only be 18, but being barely out of nappies has not stopped others penning their ‘life’ story and Semenya would have plenty to write about after her experiences of the last few weeks.
6. Keep on running. Her winning time of 1:55.45 is 13s slower than the year’s leading time from a man – but having already improved her personal best by 7s this season it might not be completely out of reach.
(Check out the article they make a pretty good point-- http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/08/25/caster-semenya-what-should-the-gender-row-800m-runner-do-next-115875-21623218/)
But um...
Okay Okay I have said enuff : I just wanted to point out that this young person has quite the fame whether female or male she has a lot to gain!!-- Fresh