A COLUMN appeared April 19 in the Life section called "The guy's guide to a girl's workout." For those who read the piece, it is unsurprising that it has garnered many reactions from across the spectrum. Some, such as those in the comments section of the online version, have called it "sexist garbage," while others claim that it is just for kicks and should be taken as satire. I do not think the author, Abbi Sigler, should be attacked for this column any more than I think The Cavalier Daily should be for running it. She is entitled to her opinion and that is what she expressed. Regardless of the intention, however, this article is still extremely problematic at best.
Although I am bothered by the fact that this article could exacerbate the feelings of many who are already extremely self-conscious about going to the gym, as well as the not-too-subtle claim that certain workouts and equipment somehow are related to gender, it is the reactions to the article that are what have troubled me the most. For those who claim it is a joke, is it really okay? Should we allow that sort of attitude to further propagate a social pressure that dictates, "Who cares if it is sexist, it's a joke?" This causes those who may want to step up and say they find such material offensive to face even more judgment from their peers. It is not easy to be the one voice that protests, the one that is the "buzz kill."
One only has to look at the comments section on The Cavalier Daily's website to see what I am talking about in terms of responses. Before I continue, however, it is important to recognize that these are not official responses by The Cavalier Daily but rather come from any reader who decides to post one. One response states, "This is clearly just a sarcastic commentary on a trip to the gym... Learn to laugh, people." The fact is, though, many people did not laugh because it was not funny to them. They found the column offensive to the point that any intended humor will not make up for it. By telling these people that they need to "learn to laugh" at what they deemed to be an inappropriate article - which was definitely a widespread reaction - the author of the comment is saying that there is something wrong with taking offense and that these people need to accept a standard of ridicule beyond what they find acceptable. Why should anyone feel that he has to accept this humor at the risk of being called overly sensitive or accused of being unable to take a joke?
It does not matter if you are making a joke if someone is seriously offended. I am not known for being particularly adherent to standards of political correctness, but that is in a certain context and with certain individuals who are close to me. An article of this tenor, joking or otherwise, very easily can offend people, which it clearly did. If it is meant purely to be humorous, then know that many people are not laughing and should not be forced to do so.
Greg Tilton is a third-year College student.
Read More
CARTER: U.Va. Health owes clarity to transplant patients
By Nathaniel Carter | 3 days agoUnfortunately, this negative press is fully the fault of U.Va. Health — it failed to address significant stakeholder concerns when crafting its justification.
EDITORIAL: Upholding medical amnesty is a collective effort
By Editorial Board | 3 days agoUniversity leadership, Greek life organizations and students themselves must recommit to the safety provided by an effective and knowledgeable use of medical amnesty.
KURTZWEIL: Dockworkers’ unions cannot avoid the threat of automation
By Paul Kurtzweil | 4 days agoInstead of continuing to demand decreased automation, the union should work with the legislature in the hopes of driving investment into the reorganization of the current workforce.
