Tuesday, January 15, 2008

And we thought Dick Enberg was a sexist freak

Roger Rasheed, former coach of Lleyton Hewitt and commentator in Australia, caused a controversy yesterday when he showed an explicit shot of Venus Williams' backside and commented to his female colleagues: "Take a look at this now. Make or think as you will, ladies, but for me, that's a pretty good sight."

Rasheed is free to admire any part of Venus Williams' body that he wishes to admire, but for him to make a public comment about it, and for the network to show the shot it showed is offensive not only to Williams, but to women's tennis, women's sports, female fans, and all our daughters.

Fortunately, a number of people phoned in to complain about the incident.

But don't get too happy--it is stunning how many fans--male and female--are totally baffled that anyone would find anything wrong with what Rasheed and the network did. Can you say "consciousness raising"?

This is not the first time Rasheed has caused a stir at the 2008 Australian Open: The other day, he accused both Jankovic and Paszek of faking their injuries.

2 comments:

Herzblut said...

>>>>>>>But don't get too happy--it is stunning how many fans--male and female--are totally baffled that anyone would find anything wrong with what Rasheed and the network did. Can you say "consciousness raising"?<<<<

words fail me......bad enough to make such a comment, but it has me shaking my head in disbelief that so many still don't see why it's 'out of order'....makes me think that if one scratches the surface, how far have we come? A long way, I know, but still...! What an unpleasant person(to put it politely!)

Anonymous said...

how can you still be so sensitive in 2008? Feminism seems to be built on being tough and not letting anyone tell you how to think or feel? Can you not do this now? Is it true that "words fail you?," or can you be tough and not let it affect you?