It is hard to think of anything in the public sphere that is thought of as "outside of politics" that is quite as political as sports -- particularly when it comes to the issue of gender. Whether or not you follow them casually, closely, or not at all, I'd like to think that you can appreciate the history made in the Title IX era by legendary figures like Pat Summitt, who stepped down last week after 38 seasons coaching women's basketball at the University of Tennessee. Our discussion last week aimed at bringing out the larger political and social significance for everyone.
Last Saturday, Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon, headed up a lineup of trailblazers of past and present to talk about where women's sports go from here. ESPN columnist Jemele Hill, Salon writer Rebecca Traister, and the co-founder of Black Girls Run, Ashley Hicks, were all a part of an engrossing conversation with Melissa that was accessible to all. Take a look at our Good Look.
The Melissa Harris-Perry panelists - including ESPN columnist Jemele Hill, Black Girls Run co-founder Ashley Hicks, and the first woman to run in the Boston Marathon, Kathrine Switzer - honor the achievements made by female athletes and the road ahead for women's sports.
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I really wished the panelists would've addressed femininity in sports and the need to wear makeup. I watched some NCAAW BB games this past season and couldn't believe the (increasing) number of athletes in mascara. Also I wished they had spent time talking about being a woman athlete and having your femininity questioned; Britney Griner comes to mind....maybe these topics are for another episode?