It's been a while since I've been able to take a minute to write about what's going on in this magnificent world- forgive me, but growing up takes a lot more work than originally anticipated. In the last few months, in a whirlwind of events, I went from participating in nightly drink specials downtown Iowa City, to graduating college, to landing my first real job. Needless to say it's been a while since I've been able to actively arrange my thoughts on my much very neglected blog.
However, here we are- ready to get back into action, much like the US Women's National Team.
It has been 16 years since the women were able to take the World Cup home. Many moons since legends like Mia Hamm and Brandi Chastain became household names and role models alike. It's been 16 years since Brandi Chastain's response to beating China incited quite the reaction to conservative soccer mom's and fans (scoffing at Brandi? They should see Miley Cyrus now).
There's no doubt that many life-altering events have occurred since the glorious years that made up the 90s. Think about it: The last time the women brought home the World Cup, September 11th was just another date on the calendar. Phone's were only good for calling people, and no one knew who the Kardashian's were. Time's were simpler, less controlled and regulated, times seemed so good.
But the good times gained a comeback with the USWNT clenching the World Cup title on Sunday. Not only did 22.2 million people tuned in to catch the historic match (Carli Lloyd with a 16 min. hat trick? I've honestly never seen anything like it), but a women's sport became a national phenomenon. Since the women blew away Japan a few weeks ago, they've been on a HUGE publicity campaign that's taken them from parades, to opening pitches, to even taking the stage with Taylor Swift. Sports Illustrated even created 24 different covers for each of the players--when has that ever happened?
If you take it all in, the USWNT really did something bigger than simply win the World Cup. They revitalized the fandom of women's sports, nationalism, and respect for sport of soccer despite the recent drama with FIFA. The women were the first female sports team to earn the honor of a ticket-tape parade in the Canyon of Heroes in New York. Let me repeat that- the first female sports team to have a ticket-tape parade. Personally, it seems a little odd that it took until now for women to be recognized like this, but hey- better late than never.
But that brings me to this point- The USWNT just won the World Cup, and international honor and undoubtedly prestigious award. You'd think that the women would come home with not only happier hearts, but heavier pockets as well. With a $2 million dollar check it would seem that the women have done just that- but when you take a step back and compare it to the Men's World Cup winnings, it's a bit of a slap in the face. Last summer the German men's team took home $35 million. Hmm, that doesn't quite seem fair.
I'm not saying that women's sports haven't made progress, or gained attention and steps toward equality- but come on. That much of a margin is a disservice to some absolutely astonishing athletes (regardless of gender). Plus, this, doesn't seem all that cool either...if the men played on grass, shouldn't the women as well?
I get it, women's sports in general draw less of a crowd than men's sports do--it's statistically proven. But what I don't get is how an organization like FIFA can pay it's executive officers bonuses that are worth more than the winnings of the entire championship team. All I'm trying to say is that it would be cool to see women's performance render the reward the men received; after all I didn't see a 16 minute hat-trick in the Men's World Cup.
It's 2015, Equality is cool guys. On all fronts. Equality is always cool.
However, here we are- ready to get back into action, much like the US Women's National Team.
It has been 16 years since the women were able to take the World Cup home. Many moons since legends like Mia Hamm and Brandi Chastain became household names and role models alike. It's been 16 years since Brandi Chastain's response to beating China incited quite the reaction to conservative soccer mom's and fans (scoffing at Brandi? They should see Miley Cyrus now).
There's no doubt that many life-altering events have occurred since the glorious years that made up the 90s. Think about it: The last time the women brought home the World Cup, September 11th was just another date on the calendar. Phone's were only good for calling people, and no one knew who the Kardashian's were. Time's were simpler, less controlled and regulated, times seemed so good.
But the good times gained a comeback with the USWNT clenching the World Cup title on Sunday. Not only did 22.2 million people tuned in to catch the historic match (Carli Lloyd with a 16 min. hat trick? I've honestly never seen anything like it), but a women's sport became a national phenomenon. Since the women blew away Japan a few weeks ago, they've been on a HUGE publicity campaign that's taken them from parades, to opening pitches, to even taking the stage with Taylor Swift. Sports Illustrated even created 24 different covers for each of the players--when has that ever happened?
If you take it all in, the USWNT really did something bigger than simply win the World Cup. They revitalized the fandom of women's sports, nationalism, and respect for sport of soccer despite the recent drama with FIFA. The women were the first female sports team to earn the honor of a ticket-tape parade in the Canyon of Heroes in New York. Let me repeat that- the first female sports team to have a ticket-tape parade. Personally, it seems a little odd that it took until now for women to be recognized like this, but hey- better late than never.
But that brings me to this point- The USWNT just won the World Cup, and international honor and undoubtedly prestigious award. You'd think that the women would come home with not only happier hearts, but heavier pockets as well. With a $2 million dollar check it would seem that the women have done just that- but when you take a step back and compare it to the Men's World Cup winnings, it's a bit of a slap in the face. Last summer the German men's team took home $35 million. Hmm, that doesn't quite seem fair.
I'm not saying that women's sports haven't made progress, or gained attention and steps toward equality- but come on. That much of a margin is a disservice to some absolutely astonishing athletes (regardless of gender). Plus, this, doesn't seem all that cool either...if the men played on grass, shouldn't the women as well?
I get it, women's sports in general draw less of a crowd than men's sports do--it's statistically proven. But what I don't get is how an organization like FIFA can pay it's executive officers bonuses that are worth more than the winnings of the entire championship team. All I'm trying to say is that it would be cool to see women's performance render the reward the men received; after all I didn't see a 16 minute hat-trick in the Men's World Cup.
It's 2015, Equality is cool guys. On all fronts. Equality is always cool.
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