October 14, 2014

Feminists Like it on Wheels.

0 Boost Score Paul Semo (1,510,185)

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Support for feminism is and should be all the rage.

From Emma Watson’s inspired speech at the United Nations to growing awareness of the victimization of women on college campuses and domestic violence in general.

Men are being called out to foster healthy relationships and not glorify violence.

This makes sense to me because I have always had strong women role models throughout my life. I still continue to embrace strong women.

The strongest women I know—physically, mentally and emotionally are those who participate—play is so not the right word—in women’s roller derby.

They’re called derby-girls or roller-girls for short.

These are the women who go out to their bouts—not games nor matches—to give their all.

Other athletes do the same but rolle-rgirls score points by slamming their bodies through a crowd of other women. No pucks, balls or sticks are required.

The winning side out-skates and out-punishes the losers.

Controlled mayhem is the rule and these women will have it no other way. They are very serious. This sport is a highly emotional, highly athletic competition.

Many derby-girls practice three to five times a week even though they only have one or two major bouts a month.

They are not professional athletes—they do not get paid for taking this punishment.

They are the women we know and love from the supermarket line, the PTA and the neighborhood picnic.

When they put their skates on they’re free.

A new identity is created—often with neon fishnets loud makeup and an alias.

Their derby names aren’t just for fun. These are a mark of pride and what they call themselves in battle. Your neighbor may become a lethal weapon. Your kids teacher, fists of fury or the five foot assassin.

This is the freedom of derby—all the everyday crap in our lives gets put aside.

Their identities are real.

You will get slammed to the ground or an elbow to the mouth from your normally soft spoken friend. If you take one on—watch yourself—the rest of the team will be there to punish you.

They are a team, they are a family. They work and help each other on and off the rink.

If your spouse or girlfriend joins derby be prepared to share. They will have practices, workouts, community charity work and just plain get togethers.

Derby-wife means more than teammate, more than friend.

It is a bonding.

This spirit extends to the fans.

Locals embrace their teams.

They hold up signs and line up for autographs.

Who doesn’t want to see their teacher, spouse or even mom taking on the biggest, baddest, blocker around?

There is a palpable energy at derby bouts.

Yes, it is violent.

Yes, there are often injuries.

The energy remains positive.

Even when they’re smacking each other around, derby-girls love to meet other derby-girls.

The camaraderie goes across borders to includes fans, spouses and families. Roller Derby says if you want to join our community you are welcome. We don’t care what your job is, or what color you are or who you sleep with.

Roller derby is about shining as yourself.

If I had a daughter I would want her to be a derby-girl. These women are sexy, smart, true to themselves and powerful. They are also loyal, compassionate and loving.

Isn’t that what feminism is about?