Sorry for the long post, but I would be interested in people’s views on this.
How do you feel about women and bikes and women in racing?
Firstly my view – I believe that women should ride bikes and should also race and that they can be competitive to a certain level. What stops them going further is unclear, but generally speaking they struggle to compete at the ‘top’ level. There are of course exceptions but putting that aside for now. I believe if someone is going to race and needs support/sponsorship etc they should use everything in their power to achieve this.
But should there be segregation? Do you agree with positive discrimination?
This topic has been under a bit of debate based on a new venture being set up to encourage women into racing. An all women team with women only sessions at track days etc.
I can understand that some women need the extra confidence boost that they may not get with men around intimidating them, but where do you draw the line? How would it be if there were men only track days?
Personally I think it’s a good idea if it helps people, but the part that strikes me odd is the way these things are addressed. It is the aim to help women as it is often perceived they don’t get a fair chance against blokes etc and for some people there is a fair amount of ‘bra burning’ and ‘we are equals’ being bandied around. But on the reverse of this the selling points for the team is ‘women in racing’.
Now, I see this technique (and use it myself) in work/home and everyday life. Using the girly charms to get things done. What strikes me is how some people use this one minute, then complain about lack of equality in treatment the next.
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think women should be discriminated again either way, but then I don’t run around pushing equality and feminism. I believe its all down to the individuals. There are plenty of women who do well in racing (hiya Jen
)without needing to play the girly card. But then again, could they get better sponsorship deals if they used their feminine charms/looks to compete against the blokes results etc.
I am playing a bit of a devil’s advocate role on this topic so please don’t judge me by what I write here, I am just trying to provoke some reaction.
:P
[Edited on 20-10-2004 by Lily]