Great analogies, and I in fact agree with these. I think you've put a good
point on this as far as inherent inequities between the sexes.
My comment, and my declared "purism" relates more to other situations
perhaps. When equality is requested or demanded, I am happy to comply but
don't ask for any special considerations afterwards. This happens in life
in other areas. Equality come with benefits *and* a price. You must
accept both.
After reading your great post, I am pretty much decided that I like
the "Mens" abd "Ladies" classes like in Tennis, Skiing, Basketball, Golf,
Gymnastics, Soccer, Track, Swimming, Bowling,....
> Unfortunately we don't live in a "purist's" world when it comes to
> equality, especially when it comes to a sport that is as male dominated
> as auto racing. When was the last time you saw a NASCAR poster with a
> Lite Beer logo and three speedo-clad GUYS draped over the car? Never.
>
> It has nothing to do with skill, strength, or ability. The inequity
> stems from our gender roles. As a guy I grew up racing R/C cars,
> playing with Matchbox cars, and riding BMX bikes. I understood weight
> transfer, spring rates, and drifting before I turned 12. I don't think
> this is the case for MOST women.
>
> I would imagine that most women are intimidated by autocross because
> it's an area that is unfamiliar. If anyone asked me to hold their new
> baby I'd be intimidated and afraid i'd drop the thing. Any woman (or
> man) who grew up playing with dolls a lot would feel much more
> comfortable.
>
> I'm making these gross generalizations not to ask people to poke holes
> in them, though there are many, but to give an example of discrepencies
> (only becoming inequalities when put in an autox setting) that exist
> between how men and women are socialized differently in this country.
>
> To quote a VERY fast woman driver/reporter: "My message to all you
> little girls out there, if you're like me, and you too gave your Barbie
> dolls super human powers, and you too feel more comfortable racing a
> Big Wheel than shopping for clothes, and you too find yourself
> practicing endless piano scales and wondering what's the point, do not
> fret. Work on your corner exit speed on your Big Wheel. Your dreams
> will come true."
>
> I think our classing system works great. If we as a group want to
> continue to attract more and more women to the sport, we need a forum
> where they can feel comfortable--the Ladies class. If we as a group
> want to attract more and more new racers/members, we need a forum where
> they can feel comfortable--Novice. If you want to declare yourself the
> fastest C-Stock driver in the country, run Open class. If you're a guy
> with poor driving skills, ask another guy or girl at an event for help
> and be happy that you CAN most likely relate to 95% of the people at
> the event, even if it is only on the level that you can both pee
> standing up.
>
> Randy
> CS MR2
>
>
>
> --- Patrick Washburn <washburn@dwave.net> wrote:
> > > No offense, but do you think I want to run against Lynn
> > Rothney-Kozlak at
> > > big events, so she can whoop my ass. Honestly, I don't think she
> > would
> > want
> > > to run with me or other women. She has been doing this for a long
> > time
> > and
> > > has earned the 'opportunity' to run in the "open" class. I respect
> > her in
> > > every meaning of the word. I hope one day, in years to come I
> > could be
> > that
> > > fast and run in the "open" class.
> >
> > No offense to you, but do you think that *I* want to run against
> > Lynn? She
> > can whoop my ass too. There's no pre-qualification to enter open
> > class,
> > you can run it even if your not the fastest like us. So your
> > position is
> > that you merit special protection from the "good" competition because
> > you
> > are a women? Please correct me if I misunderstood. Sorry but I see
> > this
> > just as much a gender biased statement as any other derogatory
> > comment
> > against women. It's a two way street IMHO.
> > >
> > > I think for the most part women would start getting discouraged and
> > not
> > run as much or even not at all any more.
> >
> > So women are more pre-disposed to giving up than men when they get
> > beat?
> > Is that a genetic thing? :) Not trying to put words in your mouth,
> > but
> > trying to understand your logic.
> >
> > I think in general that one would *not* want this to be thought of as
> >
> > a "feeder" class. It seems to me that most of the arguments for
> > keeping
> > segregated ladies classes revolve around convenience and attraction
> > of new
> > drivers. (A popular reason is that the husband and wives do not want
> > to
> > compete against each other, lest it cause marital strife.) I would
> > prefer
> > the first poster's suggestion of making "Men" and Women" classes.
> > This is
> > an original idea, and would be better for the sport. I would not
> > exclude
> > any women from running "Men's" class if they want, but the general
> > feeling
> > about the split would be better I think.
> >
> > > Well, maybe, I'll get spam for this....but remember it's
> > for "opportunity."
> >
> > No spam, but maybe a little flame :) Not trying to pick on
> > you...I'm
> > somewhat of a purest when it comes to equality, and I just find it
> > hypocritical when any specific group wants special treatment because
> > they
> > are " fill in blank here".
> > >
> > > And Howard......don't get any ideas!! HA HA HA
> > >
> >
> > Howard? Ideas? Nahhhhhhh. :)
> >
> > Patrick Washburn
> > C-Tech Trailer Cabinets
> > Designed for the Racer
> > Wausau, WI
> > www.racecabinet.com
> > 715-355-8842
> >
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>
Patrick Washburn
C-Tech Trailer Cabinets
Designed for the Racer
Wausau, WI
www.racecabinet.com
715-355-8842
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