It is no secret that gender matters and that women have been getting the short end of the stick. (inserts chuckle, however no pun intended; puts serious hat back on) In many scenarios women make a lower salary than men and more than often the same work is being done or more responsibility is given.
As I listened on with my friend’s daughter James Brown sang “this is a man’s world” I was asked “if this is a man’s world, is there room for me?” Now coming from a 5 year old girl, I grinned because her thought process made me proud. There is a message we put out in all that we do and depending on the person who is interpreting outlook, experience and surroundings it will target different ideals.
As I let her continue she stated when my daddy sings this song he sings it really loud and my mom hums it low moving her head from side to side. I said before I answer your question do YOU believe it is a man’s world? She answered yes because there are more boys in my class than girls and boys grow up to be a man. In her view point the world is her classroom as I proceeded to say “this is a world of opportunity although some people have to work harder than others.”
Many people have come before us to assist in the equality of women rights and many laws are being implemented now to move forward with what our ancestors have sacrificed their life for. Throughout history women have been made to feel inferior and a lot of programs are not highly supported or of interest.
Prime example on average the salary of the 30th Draft pick of an NBA rookie is $850,800 meanwhile a WNBA rookie salary is only $37,950 (in addition to $74 per day for meal money while on the road.) The WNBA salary listed does not include any endorsement money players can earn on their own however, how many women have sneaker contracts? I can count them on one hand. To most the WNBA is a joke but in reality it is a passion that was honed at a tender age. I feel for all of the girls I grew up playing basketball with that do not have an alternate route because all they wanted to do was play basketball.
Growing up Sheryl Swoopes, Lisa Leslie and Cynthia Cooper were the most recognizable faces and they had the best sneakers made by Nike hands down. Did anyone else notice only one pair of Women Jordan’s were produced? It is not just in the world of basketball it is in the corporate world as well. Women have to prove themselves more, put through tests and not supported most of the time by their colleagues.
Again would you rather be UNDERpaid or OVERrated because gender matters…
Chanel Speedy®️ 