Friday Feminist Fuck Yeah: Senior Male Athletes at Phillips Andover

[demmiblue]

Source: Feministing

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Perhaps that reputation should change, after a group of the school’s seniors, led by Tyler Olkowski ’13, wrote an unprecedented, brave, and thorough Letter to the Editor endorsing feminism and calling out some problematic aspects of sports culture on their campus. An excerpt (all emphasis mine):

“For the last few months, the feminist movement has appealed to the entire campus, stirring debate among all. Yet, one demographic above all seems underrepresented and less welcomed: male athletes. Perhaps athletes feel like they cannot bring as much to the discussion. Perhaps it is easier to sweep this issue under the rug. Today, we, as Senior male athletes, think it’s time to speak out.

To us, this is as much an endorsement of feminism as it is a necessary action. Some of us are a part of the current movement on campus. Others are not. But the discussions of gender have caused us to realize our athlete culture has a problem.

Male athlete culture plays a leading role in Andover’s imbalanced hook-up culture, classroom dynamics and even in defining the gender roles of females on campus that younger students emulate and eventually internalize. As we look back on our times on varsity sports here at Andover, it is easy to find highlight reels of our best moments, whether it was a winning goal or touchdown. Despite these athletic feats, our collective character has been tainted by the objectification and sexism that pervade athlete culture.”

Read more: http://feministing.com/2013/06/14/friday-feminist-fuck-yeah-senior-male-athletes-at-phillips-andover/#more-64648

[BlueToTheBone]

1. Wonderful.n/t