The Gender Trap

Tuesday's discussion regarding the differences between gender, sex and sexuality was very educational. Emini Saner's article "The Gender Trap" is a painfully honest portrayal of the real world and how sports can influence an athlete in their prime and throughout their lives. Although many of us may perceive these terms to mean different things, each situation is different. Life is very complex and many people get caught up in the specifics rather than being openly optimistic. Our conversation this week definately prooved how far society has come. In the past, the topics of transgender, intersex, homosexuality would not be traditional classroom material. It is refreshing to know that Dr. Spencer and the faculty at BGSU can treat us as equals and/or adults and trust that certain topics can be discussed in a mature manner.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is no doubt responsible for numerous rules and regulations regarding gender. Afterall, the IOC introduced sex testing in 1968 at the Olymypic games in Mexico City (Saner, 2008). Technology has made it possible for men and women to physically change their sex. Also, certain drugs have the capability of transforming the human body like never before. For these reasons, people are able to do as they please with their bodies and become the person they have always wanted to be. Individuals have the option to go through procedures (among other things) to be happy and content with their sexuality.

Changing one's gender/sexuality can create some detrimental issues that can be life altering. Emotionally, such a physical change can destroy one's reputation, personal life, professional life, capabilities, etc. "The Gender Trap" discusses some of these issues and faces them head on. For example, Santhi Soundarjan, a 27-year old Indian athlete failed a drug test during the 2006 Asian games. She was striped from her silver medal in the 800m and because she had the genetic make-up of a male chromosome but was born with female characteristics (Saner, 2008). Many athletes have medical conditions that interfere with the rules and regulations of the IOC. During the Atlanta games in 1996, "eight female athletes failed sex tests but were all cleared on appeal; seven were found to have an "intersex" condition (...) also known as chromosomal abnormalities" (Saner, 2008 p.2).

There are thousands of cases like those at the Atlanta games and Soundarjan's. When situations like these go public, the results can be humiliating. Unfortunately, suicide attempts are not uncommon. I have not spent alot of time considering these topics in the sports world before. Looking at sports from a sociological angle is new for me. To work in the business, I think it is very important to understand these concepts as much as possible. Discussing controversial topics and studying their history is the only way to fully grasp the concepts behind them. Everyone views these cases differently and although no opinion is incorrect, voicing those opinions in class enhances our discussions and I appreciate my classmates honesty.