Olympian Women

As I watch the Opening Ceremonies for the 2010 Winter Olympics, I am pleasantly surprised at the number of women participating. Two of the four tribal speakers welcoming the athletes were women, and many women carried their countries flags. What surprised me the most was Marjan Kalhor, Iran's flag bearer; the first Iranian woman to participate in the Winter Olympic Games.     

She was born just a few months after me. I have to wonder at the differences that separate us in our heritage and upbringing, but now she is marching in the Parade of Nations and I am watching safely in my warm home. What an amazing contrast! 

Iran, a country that suppresses women's rights, has made a bold statement. Does her participation mean that the country is more open to women's rights or is it merely for show? I sincerely hope that it is a step towards freedom. Turkey also introduced a woman onto their Olympic team in 2002.

Looking at NBC's blog gives a unique perspective from someone who is watching the performance live. Visit She Takes on the World to view two interviews from female Olympic athletes. It is exciting to live during a time when women are coming so far and are gaining recognition for their talents.

Miss America in the New Decade

A new decade has emerged and another Miss America has been crowned. This year's competition was different: for instance, viewers voted 3 women into the Top 15, and the final contestant in this grouping was chosen by the other contestants. We saw all aspects of the show, it seems like in years past we didn't have the privilege to enjoy the talent. But, Katie Stam (Miss America 2009) explained in this TLC commercial that the pageant has been brought into the 21st century.

Are pageants an attempt for men to idolize women from a distance while still subjecting them to their wills?

Are women focusing on only outward appearance and teaching young girls to focus on their looks instead of building character?


Anyone who has seen Sandra Bullock in "Miss Congeniality" knows her opinion of the contest and the contestants changes during the course of the film. Women were valued based on their intelligence, talents, and desire to be a part of community service. I think some of that is true in the current pageants. Miss America does offer $50,000 in scholarships to contestants and many participate in order to pay for college. Perhaps, eying the women in bikinis and admiring their evening gowns is an opportunity for the contestants to reap the rewards of being talented and beautiful (great clothes, travel, fame, etc...) while making the general public believe that it's all about the beauty.

What Women Want

The New York Times did the follow-up story, "What Women Want," after the 1972 cover story concerning Americans' reaction to the Women's Liberation Movement.

Here are a few interesting statistics: 
1972-7% of high school athletes girls  2010-42% 
1972-60/40 of men and women on college campuses    2010-40/60 of men and women 
1970s-majority of kids had stay at home parent   2010-less than 1/3 
1972-10% of law and medical degrees for women  2010-50% of degrees
    50% of Ivy League Presidents 
    3 of 4 most recent Secretaries of State 
    40% breadwinners  
    65% financial planners for their families  
    71% family accountant  
    75% buying decisions for the family 
    70% of kids have working mother
   working for themselves doubled from 1979 and 2003 
   35% of self-employed people (last 2 statistics from The Unfinished Revolution)  
   10% of civil engineers   
    1/3 of physicians and surgeons   
    98% of kindergarten teachers and dental assistants  
    earn 77 cents on the dollar compared with men (2010)  
   earnings dropped 2% in 2008 (double the change in men's earnings)  
   32% more likely to have sub-prime mortgages
    children born to single mothers from 12% to 39% 

Complete NY Times Story and Statistics

Somethings changed, somethings didn't:

Interestingly enough, the Times also found 76% of men and 80% of women viewed the change to women working outside the home as positive. That statistic is regardless of race, age and political ideology.

The article also explains that numerous surveys convey the same message: as women have gained more freedom, education, and opportunities, there has been a general decline in their happiness. This could be interpreted, as the article says, that the movement was not about happiness; it could also be that society and individuals have changed their ideas of happiness.

On each side of the issue, it's still easy to have labels and stereotypes: men who resent women, women who think men still have greater advantages. While some of this is true, it seems that the political and social atmosphere has changed and both sexes are more open to the new dynamics. But depending on how, when, and where you were raised, you will probably each have a different perspective on the issue.

Personal Note:

I watched my parents celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary last year. Growing up, I knew that my parents had an equal relationship. My mom didn't work until my sister and I were in middle school, but that was her choice. The reason was the kids spent less time at home and there was less for her to be involved in (school PTA, yearbook, etc). She wanted the chance to do something different. At no time did my father say she couldn't work (she wanted to be a stay-at-home mom), and her working was not concerned with money. 

Take it for what you will, but I enjoyed having my mom around when I was a kid. Even after she started working, she was always home when we finished school. Looking to my future, I think a similar plan would be good for me: yes, I want kids and I want both parents to be involved in raising them. Both of my parents were part of everything that ever happened to me. I realize I was blessed to have them there, because not everyone has that opportunity.

To conclude, have things changed since the 1970s? Yes. Society is constantly evolving and are women gaining momentum. It will be interesting to see where we are another 35 years from now.