Why the hashtag #CoverTheAthlete is relevant as ever in Rio
#CoverTheAthlete is a hashtag that (sadly) could be relevant for a long time.
Launched last year, it was created in response to sexist commentary in everyday sports reporting, and it has only gained traction on social media as the Rio Olympics continue on.
Australian tennis commentator Ian Cohen unwittingly spawned an anti-sexism campaign back in Nov. 2015 when he instructed Canadian pro Eugenie Bouchard to "give us a twirl and tell us about your outfit." Since then, #CoverTheAthlete has sought to bring awareness to the double standard in sport.
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As the campaign's official website states, the hashtag stands against "sexist commentary, inappropriate interview questions, and articles focused on physical appearance," saying that such language "not only trivialises a woman's accomplishments, but also sends a message that her value is based on her looks, not her ability."
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The #CoverTheAthelete campaign video, featuring male athletes being asked questions typically reserved for their female counterparts, really sums it up.
And because we're smack in the middle of the Rio Olympics, you can bet the sexist commentary and the hashtag are alive and well online.
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Recently, record-breaking swimmer Katie Ledecky was called "the female Michael Phelps." Then an NBC commentator compared the U.S. gymnastics team to a bunch of girls at the mall. And let's not forget this doozy.
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Did we mention the TV show Sports Court's discussion of whether female Olympians should wear makeup? Or People calling Simone Biles "the Michael Jordan of gymnastics?" Or the fact that it's 2016?
This guy gets it. He'll be protected when the Olympics-based feminazi revolution comes.
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On Thursday, the ABC referenced a recent study that found men are mentioned three times more than women in sports media. Not only that, but the language used in regards to the women athletes who were mentioned focussed disproportionately on their personal lives and physical appearance.
Looks like we can't retire #CoverTheAthelete for a while yet, unfortunately. #SMDH
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Jerico Mandybur is the editor of Mashable Australia. Previously, she worked as a digital editor at SBS, Oyster Mag, MTV and ASOS. Tweet her at @jerico_m.
