Last Thursday, the student body participated in a “boys versus girls” rally, complete with bleachers segregated by sex.
I understand we hold rallies to promote school spirit and student camaraderie, which is something I don’t object to.
The generally harmless competition between grades promoted at most rallies is fun to participate in because it’s easy to identify with a grade because belonging to a grade level is something that isn’t subject to change unless there are extenuating circumstances. As a result, it makes competing among grade levels enjoyable because everyone can agree with the team they associate with.
However, having a boys versus girls rally stigmatizes acceptance of transgender and gender fluid teenagers, because one’s gender is not nearly as concrete as a grade level. Secondly, it contributes to the rampant issue of sexism.
It is certainly not the end of the world that we had a boys versus girls rally. But, it does show that despite our best intentions for equality, women and men are still not considered equals.
By saying that activities should promote equality, I don’t mean to say that equity should eliminate competition between the sexes entirely. Having boys and girls work together on an even playing field, such as in the tug of war, was fantastic to watch. But, the same level playing field exists in rallies where grades compete against each other. Why bother making gender disparity the literal title of a rally?
The disparity promoted by the concept of pitting boys and girls against each other supports the long-held human theory that men are superior to women in every facet of life, and this belief is part of what sparks a natural competition between the sexes. Though this concept is no longer as common as it was one hundred years ago, there are still aspects of modern society that suggest its prevalence.
Historically, women have been paid less than men for doing the same work. Not because of a lack of activity or ability, but because of their sex. This historical gap has yet to be closed. According to CNN, in 2011 the highest paid woman of the year made slightly over 51 million dollars. The highest paid man of that year made over 370 million dollars.
The striking difference in wages also points out the lack of women in leading roles as compared to men, which could have to do with a natural aversion to competition.
In a study 2007 at the Pittsburg Experimental Economic Lab, 40 men and 40 women were tested on their incentive to join in direct competition. Participants were asked to add up sets five two-digit numbers, and were given the option to choose between completing the task alone (where researchers paid 50 cents per correct answer) or in head to head competition (where researchers paid two dollars per correct answer). Despite the increased monetary incentive, 73% of men opted for the tournament option while 35% of women did. This difference suggests that, if given a choice, women would tend to shy away from competition.
The historical divides that set the guidelines for issues regarding inequity between the sexes that still exist presently, and if this divide continues to be upheld, then it only makes sense that the same problems of inequity will continue until the divide is shortened.
I understand that participation at the rally wasn’t infused with the malicious intent of eliminating feminism in one fell swoop. These are merely unfortunate perpetuations condoned by the theme.
As men and women continue to be slated against each other, the reach of equality slips further and further. It’s unfortunate that this divide was emphasized into a rally, which are meant to promote spirit and unity.
I am relieved to hear that the Tamalpais Union School District assures that another “boys versus girls” rally won’t happen again in the district, and I sincerely hope that rallies continue to be a place of lively competition that everyone feels comfortable associating with.
