I’m not going to defend The Daily Telegraph’s decision to name Black Caviar as the newspaper’s Sportswoman of the Year.
It’s not the worst example of sexism Australian woman had to deal with in 2012 (hello Alan) but choosing a horse over Sally Pearson or Anna Meares does send a rather unfortunate message about the editorial culture of the paper and its publisher News Ltd.
Blogger Kat Gallow does a far better job than I in articulating the frustrations female athletes feel in the media coverage they get compared to their male counterparts.
What does annoy me is the far too predictable outpouring of online outrage that regularly follows a media scandal such as this.
Simply search the hashtag #sportswoman on Twitter or see the comments on The Daily Telegraph’s Facebook page to see how the public has reacted.
Again, I don’t have issue with the people expressing their points of view and agree with what they have to say.
But I am concerned this will just be another example of social media getting apoplectic about a particular issue, having it dominate the news cycle for 24 hours before being forgotten when Kyle Sandilands or Tony Abbott inevitably says something foolish.
Are all these people passionate, dedicated supporters of women’s sport? Do they regularly attended Women’s National Basketball League games?
Are they tweeting about Ellyse Perry’s amazing achievement of playing both cricket and football at the highest level this summer?
Do they have tickets to watch French Open winner Francesa Schiavone at the WTA Tour event in Hobart?
I suspect not. Rather, they are simply taking part in the perpetual orgy of outrage known as ‘social media’. It’s less about suggesting solutions and making an actual difference and more about who can show the most righteous indignation in 140 characters or less.
So if you are offended by the Telegraph’s decision then be offended. But try to channel your anger into something constructive.
Switch to a media source like the ABC that covers women’s sport more than once every Olympic year. Go watch a W-League match.
Buy your daughter, niece or sister a football rather than a barbie doll. Just do something. Our future, hopefully human, Sportswomen of the Year will thank you for it.
nan
Guest
She blows my mind and makes the hair stand on my back- No woman has done that to me.
Steve
Guest
The fact that the Jockey isn't mentioned reflects how male athletes are neglected in today's sporting world: even a horse is worth more than a male athlete at the top of his game: squeal, cry whinge etc.
p.Tah
Guest
Black Caviar is female, not a woman. The term woman refers to a female human.
nan
Guest
great decision- Last time i looked the criteria doesnt state has to be human and Black Caviar is a women. Grow up everyone and let the winner take her glory.
jamesb
Guest
Sally Pearson and Anna Meares should be joint winners. I can't split them. As for the telegraph, it's just another way to stir up controversy
Kris Swales
Expert
I like to look at is as a Rothfield attempt at trolling, and a relatively successful one. I guess he figured that no one takes him seriously anyway, so he's got nothing to lose.
Atawhai Drive
Guest
I wasn't angry, or outraged, just baffled. Was this an attempt at humour? A wind-up? Or was the Telegraph serious? It didn't work on any level. I can accept, with difficulty, the notion that horse racing is a sport. Plenty of people insist it is, although to me it's just a sleazy equine offshoot of the gambling industry. By extension, Black Caviar, a horse, can be recognised as a star of this 'sport'. So why didn't the Telegraph name this horse 'Sports Star of the Year' or something similar?