Although Alisha Axsom’s points regarding the popularity of women’s sports are persuasive and well executed, she leaves out an important caveat from her testosterone theory.
Men’s sports, mainly baseball, football and basketball, draw their popularity from history. One hundred years ago, when men’s sports achieved national notariety, women’s sports (and human rights for the matter) were nonexistent. Men dominated society and in turn so did their gender-biased activities. Women, African Americans and immigrants can attest to the fact that history doesn’t change overnight.
Gender-biased influence is prevalent even in today’s society. I too grew up watching Magic Johnson and Nolan Ryan with my dad, but we also talked cars and worked on guy-oriented projects. Meanwhile, my memories of hanging with mom include grocery shopping, folding laundry and talking history. When it came time for family fun, we often enjoyed all these activities in family combo which furthered my training as an adult. This upbringing provided me with qualities as a human which span the wide spectrum of likes and dislikes. I can thank both testosterone and estrogen for giving me the upbringing needed to read between the lines and think for myself. In regards to women’s sports gaining the same level of popularity as men’s, my crystal ball is clouded with visions of Lebron, A-Rod and Tom Brady. Go Dodgers.