We have come a long way, in terms of equality. I understand that change and dissimilarities can make people uncomfortable. As human beings, we favor things, situations, and even people that are relatable to us and that don’t challenge us or beseech a large amount of effort from us.
Maybe we are inherently lazy or simply want to live comfortably; however, realistically, the world is made up of a mosaic of cultures and societies so brilliantly different and beautiful, that they are impossible to ignore. Not only is it impossible, but it is also shameful to close oneself off to diversity. Anyone who thinks differently, in my opinion, is seriously missing out.
Although we have come a long way, there are parts of our world where inequality remains extremely prevalent. In an article in the Los Angeles Times, Emily Alpert discusses the unfortunate truth that Saudi Arabian female athletes are not supported in the Olympics.
I am not very familiar with Islamic law, but I do know that Saudi Arabia is dominated by the masculine gender.
Contradictory to the prince of Saudi Arabia’s statement that “women could represent his country at the Olympics,” the sports minister explained that the country will not “officially support female athletes.”
Of the three countries that have never supported a female athlete in the Olympic ceremonies – the other two being Brunei and Qatar- Saudi Arabia seemingly puts down the idea of female athleticism.
As documented by Human Rights Watch, there are no female gym classes or private female gyms available, making it extremely difficult to train and succeed in athletic events in Saudi Arabia.
Last month, Prince Nayef Abdulaziz announced that it would be acceptable for women to participate in the Olympics, representing Saudi Arabia, this coming summer if they respected and followed Islamic law. However, there are contradicting statements from other Saudi Arabian officials.
The International Olympics Committee has done little to encourage or recommend that Saudi Arabia send female athletes to participate.
Although the committee announced that they are certain that Saudi Arabia is attempting to take account of female athletes.
Human rights groups hold that Saudi Arabia is discriminating against women and “must dismantle the systematic barriers to women taking part in sports.”
I would have to agree that this is female discrimination and inequality at its finest. The Olympic Games not only offer entertainment, but also a chance for these profoundly skilled athletes to excel.
Everyone should have a shot at succeeding, no matter what their color, religion, gender or sexual preference is. Greatness is achieved by persistence, hard work, and possibly a little faith. Not one of those qualities can be determined by a glance.
Rebecca Eisenberg is a senior communications major and a contributing writer for the Daily 49er.
