In class today we watched Dave Zirin's film "Not Just a Game". While I agree and applaud the overall message of the text and the research behind it; I could not help but to be bothered by one segment.
Regarding the portion of femininity and sports Zirin used tennis phenom Billie Jean King. King was an outstanding athlete and is still regarding as being a rock for feminism in regards to athletics during the 1960's and 70's. King was challenged to a co-ed singles match by male tennis legend, and defeated him in 3 straight sets to win the match. After the "Battle of the Sexes" King gained even more notoriety, respect and fame; however, that would soon change.
In 1981 it was revealed the King (who at the time was married to famed media personality Larry King) had been having a lesbian affair with her secretary Marilyn Barnett. Following the news of King's sexuality, she lost many supporters and sponsorship's. In the film, the assertion is made that King was discriminated against due to her sexuality and that society was not progressive enough at that time to accept an openly gay athlete.
I would beg to differ.
In my opinion the fact that King identifies as a Lesbian should not have been an issue, however the fact that she had an extramarital affair was. Zirin completely skirts around that portion of the issue, and plays on the audience's emotion and a distorted list of facts to address the situation. When athletes such as Tiger Woods and Kobe Bryant were exposed with extramarital affairs they also lost many supporters and most sponsorship's.
I feel that there is a double standard being applied here. The fact that King broke her vow of marriage may have been the primary reason why her sponsors pulled out. I believe the violation of marriage in any capacity whether homosexual, heterosexual, should come with consequences.
Where do you stand?
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