This article concerns a small incidence of a big problem: sexism in soccer. Sexism is larger than soccer, but in the macho world of sports, the phenomenon has the tendency to bubble to the surface.
In the United States, women’s soccer is generally accepted and admired. The United States Women’s National team has a resumé that the men’s team can only dream of. Our country’s signature moment in soccer history (of either sex) is the 1999 women’s world cup final, played in front of a record crowd of 90,185 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. That 1999 squad not only captured our nation’s hearts and television eyeballs like no other team, they also won the sport’s most prestigious trophy.
Given this proud history, the comments of MLS pundit Simon Borg on last Monday’s edition of Extra Time Radio, a podcast is listened to by only the most die-hard MLS supporters (myself included), are all the more reprehensible. It is difficult to know what to call Extra Time’s panel, which last Monday consisted of Nick Firchau, Greg Lalas (yes, Alexi’s brother), Andrew Wiebe, and Simon Borg. The panel offers a combination of analysis and inane “bro” conversation -- recent debates have been something about hypothetical battles between crabs and wolves (don’t ask).
Extra Time’s crew can’t quite be considered journalists. MLS, which has had difficulty attracting coverage in the mainstream press, pays these folks to play journalists. Should we call the panelists PR guys, spokesmen (they are all men), or something else? Difficult to say.
Because they are forced to imitate journalistic convention, the panel has its obligatory contrarian who plays devil’s advocate so the rest can occasionally raise their voices. This is a role that Simon Borg seems to relish. While it is doubtful that Borg actually believes all of the things he says, he seems to enjoy picking little fights and courting controversy.
This particular controversy began when the podcast started on the obtuse subject of how to reconcile being in a romantic relationship with obsessive soccer spectatorship. This is a domain in which Borg, judging from his comments, is in no position to offer advice.
With the show winding down, the panel was actually discussing some enlightened fan emails about men and women playing and enjoying soccer together, about reciprocity and learning in relationships. All good things. Here Borg interjected, beginning his unfortunate soliliquy with the phrase, “It’s going to be a little bit unpopular to say this.” He should have stopped there.
Borg continued, “It's fine if you're a female and you want to be a super-fan. Clearly go for it, that's your choice. But there is something to be said for how appealing that might be to the other sex. Having a woman that's such a fan, like painting your face, tuning in to every podcast. I don't know how many males would be into that.”
“It's great that in Kansas City there are a lot of women in the stands, it's great, but [“but” meaning, “warning, sexist statement to follow”] for the guy who wants maybe a serious relationship... If you are following just casually, but if you're such a die-hard, I don't know, it comes a point that it is a bit of a turn-off.”
I won’t analyze this statement at length. Others have already done that. But just in case there are any who don’t take offense, or worse, agree with this sort of statement, I’ll briefly explain. It is offensive and a symptom of the unequal power structures that persist between men and women that Simon Borg can simply dismiss a woman following her passion (soccer in this case) by calling it “a turn off.” Women, according to Borg’s statement, should think carefully about everything that they do, making sure not to act in a way that could potentially “turn off” men.
The skeptic could argue, “Isn’t that what happens all the time? Aren’t both sexes always struggling to attract romantic partners? Doesn’t evolutionary psychology say blah blah blah?" I’m not willing to grant those claims uncritically.
The point is that inequality between men and women is a fact in our society. There is a good deal of work on that subject already available. The problem is that Borg, whether he meant it or not, reinforces these inequalities by implying that women have to think about their lives in terms of a man’s interest. Forget about self-determination or fulfilling your human potential. Just focus on how some future mate might want you to act. Is this the life that Borg would want for his sisters, wives and daughters?
The segment ended uncomfortably, with glib, chummy laughing from the whole panel, tacitly accepting Borg’s offensive words. I would never call for anyone to lose their job, but I hope that Borg learns from this incident and apologizes to all soccer fans and all women.
So as not to end this article on a negative note, I should point out that there are more enlightened cultures where women are not only passionate soccer fans, they set the example for men.
On May 3, Besiktas defeated hated Istanbul neighbors Fenerbahce by a score of 1-0, cheered on by a fervent all-women crowd. This derby has traditionally attracted all sorts of violence, but Thursday’s game went off without a hitch, probably due to the fact that there were no men in attendance.
Beginning in 2011, the Turkish federation made the decision to allow only women and children to attend the matches of teams sanctioned for crowd trouble. By all accounts, the initiative has been an outstanding success, with female police officers seating an all-female crowd. In a novel development, women have even offered polite applause rather than the usual insults and abuse heaped on opposing teams. Players have talked about how pleasant it is to play in a supportive, rather than abusive atmosphere, making it likely that the policy actually helps affected teams. Here are some Fenerbahce fans supporting their team in 2011.
Impressive, right? Then again, I suppose this sort of passion would be a “turn off” for some.
Bison Messink:
Some of the most passionate, dedicated, knowledgeable, insightful and fun sports fans I have ever known are women -- my Mom and my sisters, especially. I think that intimidates a lot of insecure men, however.
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