The way men talk to and about female sports fans is a popular topic in itself. However, with Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton's comment to reporter Jourdan Rodrigue on Wednesday, the subject is becoming discussed even more. Here is a compiled list of things that I am tired of hearing (and you are probably too) as a female sports fan.
"*Insert favorite players name* is your favorite because you think he's hot, right?"
I know this is going to be shocking to you, but females can like certain athletes because they're good at their sport (gasp!). I can't begin to count how many times I have heard this said to me and other women I know. It may come as a surprise, but I'm here to watch the team and cheer on my favorite player because he's just downright good (just look at that celly).
"Do you want me to explain what just happened?"
No. I don't. I don't want you to explain the rules either, that's okay. This may be surprising to you too, but I do know the definitions of a sack, fumble, and even a field goal. And to shock you even more, I know some hockey lingo too. Why men assume that because I am a female I don't have the ability to understand sports without their help is beyond me.
"You know a lot about *insert sport* for a girl"
I know it's crazy. I spent some time watching sports and learning the game myself. I even go to games sometimes. Only if I'm let out of the kitchen, of course, *insert eye roll*.
"You don't need to pretend to like sports to impress me"
Well, thank you for telling me. Generally, when people like something it isn't to impress others though. But thank you for your kindness; I can really hear the sincerity, but I'm watching baseball right now because I enjoy the sport and I feel no need to impress you.
"You like *insert team*? What's their starting lineup?"
I'm sorry, I didn't realize that us watching the game together or discussing yesterday's meant that it's time for a pop quiz. I thought we were both here to watch and enjoy it.
"It's nice that the Pro Shop is selling pink shirts now, isn't it?"
I suppose it's nice. For those that are into that. But contrary to popular (male) belief, most women are okay not having everything pink or bedazzled. On that note, I'm going to stick with my jersey with my team's colors.
"I usually listen to the male sports analysts"
A continuation of this statement is typically, "...because they know more about it." Regardless of male or female, sports analysts are paid to, well, analyze sports. Gender has nothing to do with how much more somebody knows about a given athlete or how well they interpret statistics.
"It's funny to hear a female talk about sports"
Why? What's so funny about hearing a woman talk about sports? What makes it funny? Is it surprising? I just don't understand. Women are also capable of watching, understanding, and offering their own opinions about sports. It's funny to hear men talk about birth control and abortions, but that's a topic for another article...
