Storyline: Ronda Rousey, media darling, is followed by millions of fans. But why is she getting this attention? What does it mean in today’s society?
The hype surrounding Ronda Rousey continues to grow. She’s an amazing athlete and truly skilled at her craft–obviously, hands down, the best women’s UFC fighter in history.
But is the hype doing more harm than good?
Courtesy: thmirror.blogspot.com
I don’t have a problem with the fame and accolades. However, I do have a problem with us–and with the media–regarding the narrative we’ve created around her.
But saying that is problematic. Anything one says about Rousey will be interpreted through the realms of race, gender, and society–three “buttons” in America that you want to be careful pushing. So, with that in mind, I need to be careful presenting my argument.
The initial problem with the hype is how it began: early. Rousey became an acclaimed fighter after only a few fights. What about the competition? She has been taken to the 3rd round only once, and most fights end in the 1st Round. Those outcomes aren’t meant to demean her achievements, but it also says that sport offers her a limited number of suitable opponents.
The media has taken big interest in Rousey. She’s presentable. And she’s a woman knocking out other women–at a time where men are being accused and convicted of domestic violence against women. Another factor for media attention is the status women are gaining in professional sports. Consider these achievements: Michele Roberts is the head of NBA Players Union; Becky Hammon is an assistant coach with the San Antonio Spurs; and Jen Welter is a coach for the Arizona Cardinals. It’s a positive time for women.
Courtesy: tickets.ca
But there’s a downside to it. I’ve seen and heard talk of Ronda being the “Baddest Fighter in the World,” a clear reference to the Mike Tyson of old. That sends mixed messages to young women, and that’s a bit dangerous. There shouldn’t be talk of man vs. woman.
What we have to understand is that young men and women, both, are learning the difference between right and wrong. When they observe one side being allowed to act a certain way, they note (as logical) for the other to side to act that way.
With videos of men hitting women popping up, we now see videos of women hitting men. The national media seems to use the lens of black male athletes striking women. But I was always taught that it’s just as important for no woman to lay a hand on a man.
That point brings us back to the hype surrounding Rousey. I fear that it gives women confidence to go after men as a way of self improvement–or perhaps understanding that a man would have to be an idiot to hit a woman, be it in retaliation or self defense.
We must progress to equality, but is this the way to do it?
