Dating and Sports Allegiances

The Super Bowl was the big talk of the weekend in the States this past weekend. Whether you’re a Giants fan or a Patriots fan or just watching for the commercials, it turned out to be a close and xciting game. As expected, Monday morning’s radio shows were abuzz with game recaps and opinions. I was expecting this, but what I wasn’t expecting was the sexist undertones in some of the commentary.

One particular radio show was discussing how women, assuming they don’t care about football or have an allegiance to any particular team, should automatically default to supporting her man’s team. The female callers seemed to agree, but something about the entire discussion just didn’t sit right with me.

First of all, the radio hosts were completely ignoring the fact that women care about football on their own, outside of a relationship. I’ve dated men who know nothing about football, and I’m the one paying attention to the tv on Sundays. A discussion about supporting my man’s team doesn’t account for my own allegiances.

Second of all, there was no mention of men supporting the women in her interests. Maybe football isn’t her thing, but if she’s expected to root for her boyfriend or husband’s team, the least he can do is reciprocate a little by not complaining when she watches The Bachelor, right?

And third, it was unsettling to listen to women call in to the show and completely agree with the announcers. Where’s our fight ladies?

Of course, it’s entirely possible that I’m reading far too much into this. Maybe I’m in the minority of women who have a strong allegiance to one football team, or maybe I’m interpreting this too deeply. It just seems to me that in relationships where compromise and support are crucial elements to success, we should remember the compromises and support men should offer to women as well.

What about you ladies out there? Do you support your husband/boyfriend’s teams, or do you have your own?