Branna: No Girls Allowed
It was the mantra of the “He-Man Woman-Haters Club.” Yes, the lively, laughable Little Rascals declared the radical rule that disallowed Darla and her disciples, the MacGlicuddy Girls, investiture into their sacred grounds. However, we girls who watched this delightful, yet debatable dilemma knew that boys had “cooties,” so the girls were better off anyway.
The saga of the separateness of the sexes has always been a deliberative discussion over the decades. Before the passage of Title IX in 1972, girls represented only about 7 percent of high school athletes. For every girl playing a high school sport, there were more than 12 boys. This disparity drastically changed after Title IX, which mandated equal opportunities for both sexes in educational programs, including sports.
We have learned a lot over the years about the relationship between playing sports and youth development. Regardless of gender, participation in sporting events, offers numerous benefits for young and older alike, including improved physical health, mental well-being, academic achievement and career development. These benefits extend beyond the playing field, contributing to the well rounded development and future success. And it goes without saying that the sense of belonging is a super sensation. Those who know, KNOW: “Teamwork makes the dream work!” I am certain that had soccer been an organized sport for girls in my day, that is where I would have culminated my competitive spirit. It wasn’t until the ripe old age of 38 that I shimmied on my shinguards and took to the field. I figured, better late than never!
Rewind to the realm of the late ’70s again, when I was applying to Purdue. I fondly remember my mom musing that the ratio of male to female students there was 3-1. In her mind, those were great odds in obtaining my “MRS.” degree. Now, however, according to U.S. News & World Report, if marriage was the motive for girly graduates, you’d better start studying more sincerely. Currently, the ratio is approximately 58 percent male to 42 percent female. Ladies, that means less courting and more chemistry!
Dare we damsels delve further into the depths of hu-MAN-ity? I don’t mean to go all Billie Jean King here, but I have to proclaim proudly that we gals have a lot going on for us these days – in all arenas. Spanky, Alfalfa, and the rest of “Our Gang” would roll over in their graves at the gains we girls have made. So back off boys…and consider us loudly ALLOWED!