Sports are an important part of the American society and an integral feature of everyday life. For centuries, sports were male dominated until recently. From professional sports teams, college, high school and even elementary age teams are fighting for equality in sports.
             Women's sports have made great strides although gender inequality still exists today. Prior to the early seventies, women did not have teams or similar activities that the males had. While opportunities have increased for women, the equal rights of men and women's athletics still favor men's sports. Many sports played by women are still seen as inferior to those played by men. Women are not accepted as equal participants in the activity of sports or in sharing sports knowledge.
             Women are seen as weaker and not as capable as men when it comes to physical activity. In the past, their role in sports was limited to that of spectator or supporter and not one of a player. Women are taught to be nice and polite and not rough and defensive like men. In the article "Why Men Fear Women's Teams" by Kate Rounds, she states that "men who feel intimidated by physically strong women have to put the women down." Men athletes will tend to act macho and show off more for female athletes. This can lead to sexual harassment issues and sexual bias towards female athletes.
             The media captures the side of sports that centers around the seven figure paycheck that most men athletes receive. Women participate in sports for the love of the game, not because they will bring home millions of dollars doing it. The media covers the purity that women's sport still holds. Marketing has recently been a strong hold of women's sports. Although the spotlight has not yet been removed off marketing male associated sports, advertising of women athletes and their sports has greatly increased in the past couple of years.
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