“Girls can wear jeans
And cut their hair short
Wear shirts and boots
‘Cause it’s OK to be a boy
But for a boy to look like a girl is degrading
‘Cause you think that being a girl is degrading
But secretly you’d love to know what it’s like
Wouldn’t you
What it feels like for a girl”
-Madonna
It is the season for change. Before the first puck drops, I want it all to be different. For the 2010 season I propose we make a shift. Erase the hurtful words and language that are constantly bandied about not just in hockey, but our lives outside of it. It is the time for us to evolve and lead by example. Criticizing a game doesn’t need to involve calling a player a fag or saying someone fights like a girl. It is insulting to women and the gay community.
The loss of Brendan Burke was tragic but it brought the issue into a spotlight, and we shouldn’t forget it. The NHL has commercials that run often, proclaiming “Hockey is for everyone.” And it is, and no one should have to feel like they aren’t welcome to the huge, family of a sport because of people running their mouths.
I know I’m loud and have on-going issues with pink and sparkly jerseys. I just want to be seen as a normal fan. I’m 5’2″ with a rack, of course a normal men’s jersey isn’t going to fit right. The crest pops up in the front and the number scrunches in the back but I still proudly wear it because I love my team. I don’t want to be thrown into some gender pile where I’m supposed to like pink because I’m a woman.
Madonna has long been an ally not only to empowering women but the gay community as well. Really, she set the precedent for her successors to be angels of tolerance: the Spice Girls, Britney Spears, Beyonce and now Our Lady Gaga. Their messages, dancey and fluffy pop singles aside, has been of love, strength and kindness. Life is messy, there will be heartbreak but value your self and your independence and care for others. We’re all going to be ok if we can try to understand each other.
Ripples become waves and I propose we look at ourselves and kindly guide others when it comes to what we say and what attitudes we have.
Are you in or are you out? Sign below.
Nice work.
By: Lisa on August 22, 2010
at 5:19 pm
I’ll do my best but even I slip up every now and then.
By: R.J. on August 22, 2010
at 5:20 pm
I’m not perfect either. But we’re gonna try!
By: wrap around curl on August 22, 2010
at 5:24 pm
I’m definitely in. Hockey is something that I’ve loved for a very long time, and I just want everyone to respect each other.
I love what you do, Wrap. Just keep doing what you’re doing.
And I hope it’s cool if I blog a link to your piece. This is a message that needs to get out there.
By: Stephanie on August 22, 2010
at 5:27 pm
By all means, link away! I’m trying to come up with a name for all this. To make clever internet badges. Any ideas?
Thank you so much, Stephanie.
By: wrap around curl on August 22, 2010
at 5:29 pm
I’m the wrong person to ask for cute and clever name ideas. But once we come up with one I think that a Facebook group or Twitter page would be a good idea.
If I think of anything, I’ll throw it out there.
By: Stephanie on August 22, 2010
at 5:36 pm
The facebook page is an excellent idea. Thanks!
By: wrap around curl on August 22, 2010
at 5:44 pm
[...] check out what Wrap is doing. This entry was posted in Uncategorized. Bookmark the permalink. ← Re-Vamping [...]
By: We Are One | Dallas Stars 4 Life on August 22, 2010
at 5:57 pm
I am in. 100%. If I had more to give, I would.
By: BReynolds on August 22, 2010
at 7:07 pm
OUR LADY GAGA INDEED! Preach it, sista.
By: Cat on August 23, 2010
at 2:16 am
I’m in! (i can’t guarantee I will succeed completely. but i do my best)
By: sleza on August 23, 2010
at 7:01 am
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Wrap Around Curl, Cameron Frye, Bryan Reynolds, Dani, Elise Butler and others. Elise Butler said: Do it. RT @wraparoundcurl: My challenge to hockey fans for the upcoming season http://tinyurl.com/2abtpxp [...]
By: Tweets that mention 2010: We Begin Again « Wrap Around Curl -- Topsy.com on August 23, 2010
at 9:55 am
I’m IN! Jerseys off to you! Couldn’t have said it better myself!
By: April on August 23, 2010
at 12:28 pm
Awesome post. I know I sometimes foul this stuff up by making gender related comments (really dumb of me considering I am a chick). But there are so many other choice words to use, just watch out for kiddos if you can haha.
BIGGEST PET PEEVE:
“The crest pops up in the front and the number scrunches in the back”
Can they not open it up a little bit in the chest and hips?! Because it’s either get this pop/scrunch fiasco that also ends up giving you an extra boob-pocket when you sit down or go up a few sizes and end up in a dress with Kimono sleeves you could wrangle a calf with. But bitching aside, I worship all of my jerseys.
By: SinBinRegular on August 23, 2010
at 12:28 pm
Its ok, I say things I should either. I’m not perfect. At my best I’m a mildly hypocritcal feminist. But I’m going to try and be better. Including cutting back my shit talking of puck bunnies. Kill ‘em with kindness….
By: wrap around curl on August 23, 2010
at 12:31 pm
Absomsurfly agree
By: blurr1974 on August 23, 2010
at 1:35 pm
Count me in.
By: Oarboar on August 24, 2010
at 7:38 am
[...] Wrap Around Curl encourages everyone to make an effort to end a juvenile and demeaning approach around the game this season [Wrap Around Curl] [...]
By: Tuesday night link dump and open thread « Acrylic Sports on August 24, 2010
at 4:57 pm
I’m in. But I still love pink. And heart you!
By: Monica on August 25, 2010
at 1:18 pm
What an excellent post. Co signed to the millionth degree.
By: alix on August 26, 2010
at 7:44 pm
Thanks! I’m thinking of calling it Playing Offense. And sending letters out to WHL teams. Or any hockey teams.
By: wrap around curl on August 26, 2010
at 8:04 pm
I’m late to the party, but I want in. Where do I sign?
By: loser domi on September 5, 2010
at 6:41 pm