NBC, The Olympics, And Sexism | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Sports

NBC, The Olympics, And Sexism

Treat the games for what they are: sport.

4
NBC, The Olympics, And Sexism
bet.com

Simone Biles. Aly Raisman. Simone Manuel. Katie Ledecky. Bringing home the gold, making their country proud, inspiring thousands of little girls to work hard and follow their dreams.

And these names, while incredibly brilliant, are really the only female ones we know. We haven’t heard so much about Tori Bowie (Track and Field silver medalist), Ibtihaj Mahammad (Fencing broze medalist), or the entire US Women’s Rowing team, who brought home the gold in eights on Saturday. Nope, in between inadequate coverage of live matches and a ridiculous amount of commercials, we’re getting a version of the Olympics that’s watered down at best, and sexist at worst.

It’s no secret that NBC’s coverage of the Olympics has been criticized as sexist. From giving credit to the husbands of female athletes, to comparing the incredible US Women’s gymnastics team to a bunch of girls who “might as well be standing in the middle of the mall,” we’ve seen how sexism is still definitely a part of sports commentary. However, there’s also something wrong with the way that the Olympics are being broadcast.

Chief marketing officer for NBC, John Miller, caught some heat for making these comments right before the games, saying, “The people who watch the Olympics are not particularly sports fans. More women watch the Games than men, and for the women, they’re less interested in the result and more interested in the journey. It’s sort of like the ultimate reality show and mini-series wrapped into one.” Why such controversy? These are more than just words; they’re reflected in the way that the Games are being covered. We don’t get live coverage of each actual event; instead, we get disproportionate coverage of swimming, gymnastics, and American success stories. In other words, we only have the option of viewing where we’re doing well, where networks can rely on the same tired narratives about men who are gritty competitors and women who manage to fill some traditionally feminine role in addition to being athletes. The Olympics are being broadcast like a soap opera, NBC’s attempt to "cater" to its female viewership.

This is maybe the worst marketing strategy that NBC could have gone with. Not only is it insulting to viewers’ intelligence, but it downplays the talent of so many athletes, male and female alike.

What NBC fails to realize is that the Olympics are quite possibly the most empowering series of sporting events in existence. There is literally no other event in the world where we can see so many athletes, all gathered in the same place, all competing for the highest honor imaginable, where the level of prestige earned for women is the same for that of men. More women watch the Olympics not because of the “journey,” but because it’s one of the few places in the sporting world where we’re taken just as seriously as our male counterparts. We’re not tuning in for drama; we’re tuning in to see incredible athletes kick ass and take names.

There are so many great matches that we’re not seeing, all because the Olympics are being marketed to us like some sort of “ultimate reality show,” where we only care when we’re insanely successful, where we only care when there’s a narrative behind the success. No. Give me amazing men’s gymnastics in prime time. Give me female runners, no matter what the country, who can prove to me that anything is possible. Give me live coverage. Stop assuming that because I’m a woman, I’ll only care about sports if there’s an additional entertainment aspect to them. The entertainment is in the competition. Treat the games for what they are—sport.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
friends
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

If I have learned one thing in my lifetime, it is that friends are a privilege. No one is required to give you their company and yet there is some sort of shared connection that keeps you together. And from that friendship, you may even find yourself lucky enough to have a few more friends, thus forming a group. Here are just a few signs that prove your current friend group is the ultimate friend group.

Keep Reading...Show less
ross and monica
FanPop

When it comes to television, there’s very few sets of on-screen siblings that a lot of us can relate to. Only those who have grown up with siblings knows what it feels like to fight, prank, and love a sibling. Ross and Monica Geller were definitely overbearing and overshared some things through the series of "Friends," but they captured perfectly what real siblings feel in real life. Some of their antics were funny, some were a little weird but all of them are completely relatable to brothers and sisters everywhere.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Types Of Sorority Girls

Who really makes up your chapter...

1729
Sorority Girls
Owl Eyes Magazine

College is a great place to meet people, especially through Greek life. If you look closely at sororities, you'll quickly see there are many different types of girls you will meet.

1. The Legacy.

Her sister was a member, her mom was a member, all of her aunts were members, and her grandma was a member. She has been waiting her whole life to wear these letters and cried hysterically on bid day. Although she can act entitled at times, you can bet she is one of the most enthusiastic sisters.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

10 Reasons Why Life Is Better In The Summertime

Winter blues got you down? Summer is just around the corner!

1489
coconut tree near shore within mountain range
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

Every kid in college and/or high school dreams of summer the moment they walk through the door on the first day back in September. It becomes harder and harder to focus in classes and while doing assignments as the days get closer. The winter has been lagging, the days are short and dark, and no one is quite themselves due to lack of energy and sunlight. Let's face it: life is ten times better in the summertime.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

10 Things That Describe You and Your College Friends

The craziest, funniest, and most unforgettable college memories are impossible to create without an amazing group of friends.

1163
College Friends
Marina Lombardi

1. You'll never run out of clothes when you have at least four closets to choose from.

2. You embrace and encourage each other’s horrible, yet remarkable dance moves.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments