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Saturday, August 18, 2012
Gender and Olympics
http://www.everydaysociologyblog.com/2012/08/gender-and-the-olympics.htmlGENDER AND OLYMPICS
Although there AIS isn't very common now, I do agree that the IOC needs to find a different way to test whether someone is female or male. I don't think it is big issue currently, but no one can be sure of when the rates will change. Next year AIS could be only 1 in every 35,000, but on the other hand it we could find more case. I think that the IOC needs to start looking into a new way of determining gender now. I did some research and cannot find a better way, but with the technology and funds available I'm sure they can find a more efficient way.
I do not agree with the IOC by testing males and females by testosterone levels. I feel that with today's technology and all of the countries working together that there can be a simpler and reliable way. I feel like throwing out a testosterone level number is unfair because God created everyone differently. On the other hand I don’t see why Olympians would want to lie about their gender because once the Olympics are over it would get out that they cheated and their medals would be stripped.
I think that the IOC are wrong by using the testing of testosterone levels to determine whether someone can compete as a female or as a male. No two people are alike so it technically is not possible to go by that way of testing. Besides, it should not be based on that anyway and instead should be based on what gender the person themselves identify as. If a person wants to compete as a male or if they want to compete as a woman should be entirely up to that particular athlete. Who are the IOC to tell them that they must be seen as a different gender then how they see themselves.
Personally, I think that the overall idea of an individual's gender as a policy decision is morally wrong. We are all human beings and we are all different and there is no possible way that one standard can be set to determine if a person should be classified as a male or female. However, in regards to the Olympics, I believe that competitors should be held to a different standard than the general public. When someone chooses to participate in that level of competition, I think that the athlete should expect to face the implications that arise as a result of proving their eligibility. Due to the issues that have come about while using the testosterone level testing, I think that the IOC should consider looking into a better method for determining who is allowed to participate.
In my opinion, it's quite ridiculous that they would have to go as far as to do chromosomal testing to check the gender. I understand the reason you need a test for those chromosomes, but I feel as if it is an invasion of one's privacy. There is no need for an athlete to be targeted for a diesease they can not control and can not be altered. On the other hand, I do believe that chromosomal testing is a more accurate way for testing gender than measuring the amount of testosterone. Therefore, I do understand the need for chromosome testing, but I do not believe the IOC needs to make questionable test results public.
Although there AIS isn't very common now, I do agree that the IOC needs to find a different way to test whether someone is female or male. I don't think it is big issue currently, but no one can be sure of when the rates will change. Next year AIS could be only 1 in every 35,000, but on the other hand it we could find more case. I think that the IOC needs to start looking into a new way of determining gender now. I did some research and cannot find a better way, but with the technology and funds available I'm sure they can find a more efficient way.
ReplyDeleteI do not agree with the IOC by testing males and females by testosterone levels. I feel that with today's technology and all of the countries working together that there can be a simpler and reliable way. I feel like throwing out a testosterone level number is unfair because God created everyone differently.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand I don’t see why Olympians would want to lie about their gender because once the Olympics are over it would get out that they cheated and their medals would be stripped.
I think that the IOC are wrong by using the testing of testosterone levels to determine whether someone can compete as a female or as a male. No two people are alike so it technically is not possible to go by that way of testing. Besides, it should not be based on that anyway and instead should be based on what gender the person themselves identify as. If a person wants to compete as a male or if they want to compete as a woman should be entirely up to that particular athlete. Who are the IOC to tell them that they must be seen as a different gender then how they see themselves.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I think that the overall idea of an individual's gender as a policy decision is morally wrong. We are all human beings and we are all different and there is no possible way that one standard can be set to determine if a person should be classified as a male or female. However, in regards to the Olympics, I believe that competitors should be held to a different standard than the general public. When someone chooses to participate in that level of competition, I think that the athlete should expect to face the implications that arise as a result of proving their eligibility. Due to the issues that have come about while using the testosterone level testing, I think that the IOC should consider looking into a better method for determining who is allowed to participate.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, it's quite ridiculous that they would have to go as far as to do chromosomal testing to check the gender. I understand the reason you need a test for those chromosomes, but I feel as if it is an invasion of one's privacy. There is no need for an athlete to be targeted for a diesease they can not control and can not be altered. On the other hand, I do believe that chromosomal testing is a more accurate way for testing gender than measuring the amount of testosterone. Therefore, I do understand the need for chromosome testing, but I do not believe the IOC needs to make questionable test results public.
ReplyDelete