Strength and Confidence can lead to new Gaze

In my line of work as a trainer on a daily basis the thought of a strong woman is often tagged as being a "lesbian." I feel as though this translates a lot to women being plagued as objects and that all they have to offer is them as a sexual figure. The thought of actually having a stand and voicing opinion automatically garners the tag as a feminist, as opposed to the male figure, who when he voices an opinion it is more of standard and expected to be in charge.

As mention in many of our readings so far the difference in the "active man" and the "passive woman," is simple because that is what has been expected of women for so long. Bell Hook's makes a strong point for black females and the oppositional gaze, but it goes further then that. Its pathetic to be at a bar, watching a sporting event, and as soon as a female broadcaster comes on the comments that are shared instaniously. The second this occurs men are automatically discussing the females lips, curves, or her sexual prowess instead of actually listening to her broadcast and insight she has to offer. The male chouvinist side of it assumes she got the job solely on her look and not of her knowledge of sports. First hand, I know my sister knows more about sports then half of my guy friends, and it just so happens that she is beautiful but that is just an added bonus.

Can this automatic male gaze in a bar or anywhere ever change? It is possible. The question that then arises is who is brave enough or what network is ready to make a stand for women in the media. What makes it OK for a overweight male with three chins who can hardly fit into his suite broadcast a game, but not a female whose not a size 0 with a perfect figure but knows more about the topic then all three other broadcasters put together? I think what women need is one network, market, magazine or paper who is brave enough to be the first and help push forth the "oppositional gaze" and help show that women are more then just objects but are intellectuals and have way more to offer the public and the media then how good they look in short shorts and a tank top.