Women, Sport, and Film Course

Cosponsored by Athletics and Physical Education at Bryn Mawr College and the Exercise and Sports Studies Department at Smith College, with support from the Center for Science In Society at Bryn Mawr College and the Serendip website.

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FORUM ARCHIVE

WEEK 3 - FORUM 5


Name:  Amy Campbell
Username:  acampbel@brynmawr.edu
Subject:  WEEK 3 questions
Date:  2003-02-16 16:10:21
Message Id:  4624
Comments:
The class at Smith, Bryn Mawr and Wesleyan have viewed a few different films--all films have themes that connect to the larger questions of women and sport. Please respond to the questions based upon the films you have watched. Feel free to comment on the themes that link all of our classes together in the broader conversation about women, sport, Title IX, gender etc. Enjoy the conversation!!

1. What is the cultural ideal displayed by the main characters in each film? What norms/ideals of the time, do the characters challenge and expand?

2. What is the relationship between the main characters in the films and their message about women and sport? Has it had an impact on what is happening in women's sport today? How does it effect womne who are not engaged in sport?

3. How does the media - print - video/movie - web - portary women and sport? Is it helpful?


Name:  Liza
Username:  eeckels@wesleyan.edu
Subject:  Love and Basketball
Date:  2003-02-18 16:43:45
Message Id:  4662
Comments:
One of the main aspects of the movie that caught my attention was Monica's "attitude problem". The way that emotionality was seen in the film was negative for female but postive for male. For Q, he was allowed to show aggression, and that showed his love for the sport. As for Monica, she was seen as having an attitude problem, she would get so emotionally involved in the game that she got caught up in the calls. However, this was a negative reflection on Monica. She was seen as being out of control and having a bad temper, hence, why she wasn't getting recruited by schools. Monica really just loved the game and was getting into it, both mentally and physically. This makes me think of Denis Rodman and how his bad temper and craziness gets him publicity in the NBA and is only seen as a problem if he breaks the law. I can relate to the way Monica gets emotionally involved in sports. She puts so much time, effort and heart into basketball that it's impossible for her to not get wrapped up in it all. Also, since most women's sports don't conitnue on to a professional level, women aren't seen as being soley athletes. They're expected to have other interests and priorities in their lives. Thus, society doesn't understand how a female can get so involved in her sport; while, it's acceptable in society for men to be all about their sport, because they can continue on to a professional level. Thus they don't need to have other priorities in their lives.