When people think of sexism in sports, they often picture obvious examples: unequal funding, fewer opportunities or blatant discrimination. Thanks to decades of progress and the protections of Title IX, many assume those battles have largely been won at the high school level.
But misogyny in athletics hasn’t disappeared. It has simply become more subtle.
Today, the most pervasive forms of sexism in high school sports are often hidden beneath the surface — embedded in attitudes, language and expectations that many people have accepted without question.
High school sports are supposed to teach respect, teamwork and character. Yet a quick glance at the comment section of almost any social media post featuring female athletes reveals a different lesson being learned by some students.
Social media has amplified the problem because it allows casual misogyny to spread quickly and publicly. A comment that might once have been an offhand remark among friends can now be seen by hundreds or thousands of people. The result is an environment where disrespect toward female athletes becomes normalized and even rewarded with likes, laughs, and attention — often without consequence.
The most disappointing part is that these comments often come from students who would never consider themselves sexist. Many genuinely believe they are joking.
But intent does not erase impact.
And that impact is felt long after the comments have been deleted. There is a collective undertone that diminishes the weight of words. The dismissive nature of inaction can seep into the mental and emotional well-being of those affected by the words because words carry weight.
If a generation of young women is being told every day that their accomplishments matter less, that their sports are less worthy, and that their success is somehow laughable, then we should not be surprised when those attitudes persist into adulthood. When girls are consistently treated as less than, they absorb lessons that reach far beyond the scoreboard. They learn that their achievements may be questioned, minimized or overlooked.
High school sports are meant to teach leadership, confidence, resilience and teamwork — a place where students learn to respect excellence — regardless of who achieves it.
– Editor’s note: This editorial was written on behalf of the Sentinel as Our View.
