The idea behind this blog first occurred when listening to one of "The Guilty Feminist" podcasts centering on pulling others up the ladder. The idea behind this phenomenon is that we can accommodate others to reach influential positions that we attain by devising an opportunity for others to do the same. It is a fundamental and crucial part of the feminist movement which also I sense undergoes a lot of media and societal criticism. The current political agendas appear to concentrate on members of society using people that have become successful for their selfish gain, to almost stand upon their shoulders and reap the rewards of someone else's success. However, that is not the case. Granted, the initial work and determination of an individual to reach success should only be rewarded with nothing less than sheer appreciation and recognition of the individuals effort but, how can we continue to transcend society to create a level playing field for all when the focus withdraws from pulling others up the ladder to reach similar positions? Naturally analysing the football context, it is clear that there is an opportunity for male counterparts to aid and facilitate the marketing potential of the women's game, to increase viewership, facilities, and commercial partnerships, etc. to create a level playing field. It is far from the case and most recently exemplified through the media headlines surrounding the women's FA cup final which the rest of the blog will focus on illuminating the current issue surrounding the 2019 women's FA Cup Final.
For those that do not know, the FA Cup, the traditional height of English football. The iconic steps to walk up at Wembley and collect the famous trophy that a team has worked tirelessly to achieve and, steeped in years of history from countless heroic efforts of idolized individuals. Saturday 4th of May allows for a new breed of individuals to create their moment of glory. Create memories for a younger generation to want to achieve, a moment in history and another step towards developing the women's game.
Manchester City a dominant force in both the male and women's game. A disappointing season finishing second to the astounding efforts of Arsenal ladies sees them have the opportunity of gaining one title to help spur them on into the new season. Nikita Parris 19 goals and 7 assists throughout the season will prove to be a threat for the opposition who are the in no doubt the underdogs in West Ham ladies. The new kids around the block. West ham ladies received license approval in 2018 to join the women's premier league and have cemented their place in the top division with a respectable 7th place finish. Beating Reading on penalties in the semi-finals they now see themselves one step away from achieving something special. These special moments from underdogs live in the memories of fans for life and rightly so, create a time in history for the women's game to look back on.
Sadly, we are at a point where the odds seem to be against the women's game developing. The need for individuals to pull the rest up the ladder alongside their male counterparts is not occurring. West Ham FC applied to reschedule the men's team game from the original 3:00 on kick off, to 12:30 pm. Enabling fans to watch the men's game against Southampton at the London stadium (Which I should point out, has no impact on relegation or titles for either any competing member of the Premier League) and be able to travel to Wembley for the 5:30 pm kick off to hopefully watch the ladies team become triumphant. However, the Premier League has rejected the approach due to the impact it would have on fans attending the game at the London Stadium.
Individuals have praised West Ham football club for focusing on the women's team and wanting to create the atmosphere that they deserve for their efforts. However, I have a slightly more pessimistic outlook. Applauding the efforts when they have not been successful but have only "tried" seems contradictory to everything society teaches us as individuals from a young age. If I attempt to do well in an exam and fail, I will not receive a compliment for my efforts. I am given a fail and told to either try again or something new. Praising the officials at West Ham for not being victorious is not something I think should be done. What I perceive we should contemplate on, is critiquing the decision made by officials to reject the proposal, and also, push for alternative methods to increase awareness and appeal of what will hopefully be a good game of football. It may seem somewhat harsh to suggest; however, as I said at the start of the blog, there is a need for individuals to use their elevated positions to pull others up the ladder. And by others, I mean the women's game. It is not of use for individuals to try and continue to be unsuccessful. There need to be constant efforts from people on the ground trying to climb the ladder and individuals from above aiding the transition of those below to develop the game.
I am entirely aware that the post comes across somewhat forceful of my opinions. I want to reiterate, that they are and solely are my opinions of what I think is wrong in developing the women's game but, also in society. The emphasis should be on all individuals wanting a level playing field whether that be striving to achieve it yourself, or pulling other individuals through. That is why I feel so strongly against the Premier Leagues decision as they have had an opportunity to create a memory for both the players and potential fans, yet they have chosen to turn a blind eye against it, leaving those individuals at the bottom of the ladder. I will be showing my support for West ham ladies on Saturday, and I hope they can achieve something unique and thoroughly deserved. Simultaneously, I hope it will be a moment in history that leading officials will now examine strategic approaches to avoid this repeating again because it is truly tragic for the loyal fans that would have attended both games.
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