Yesterday, the country worshiped at the Altar of Masculinity.
Isn’t that really what went on?
We all gathered around and watched these hyper-men crash about, playing a sport women are not allowed to play (unless of course we’re in our underwear).
We watched commercial after commercial that hammered in stereotypes with all their might—each one meant to aggrandize manhood, making it a product more marketable than whatever it was they were selling. Probably beer. Or a car. Most female stereotypes were present and accounted for:
The nagging girlfriend (Pepsi Max)
And of course the mindless sexual object. (GoDaddy and Sketchers).
One classic infantilization/objectification of women was missing from this year’s Superbowl festivities, however. Neither the Packers nor the Steelers had cheerleaders.
Gasp!
How would the players manage to do their jobs and earn their ridiculous salaries without the bouncing encouragement of cheerleaders? Many an article was written on this question. Seems to me the players did just fine. Remind me again why we need to have perky girls in minimal clothing cheering from the sidelines, reinforcing to every woman watching that that is where we belong?
So, we gave you your day. We dressed in your jerseys and watched the sport you won’t let us play.
Now give us our day—a day where we celebrate the power and pride of femininity.
Cause it takes guts to be a woman, to knock against stereotype after sexy, submissive stereotype and still hold your own.
-E
I didn't worship at the altar this year. I was on the train back to Boston, but I have to say, those NFL women's clothing ads on TV disturb me on a deep level. You're fighting the good, fight, Em. And with a sense of humor that doesn't compromise your beliefs. I love checking and finding a new entry.
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