Soccer Jill Ellis Deals with some Gender Issues at Media Day Press Conference Head coach Jill Ellis handled questions during Media Day. by Jayson Love May 28, 2015 Head Coach Jill Ellis. (Photo Credit: Catalina Fragoso – DoubleGSports) Navigating questions about FIFA corruption charges, Abby Wambach’s last World Cup, the USA’s inability to win the World Cup despite international success, among others, there was one question that stood out at yesterday’s US Women’s Soccer Media Day. Coach Ellis was asked about players being injured and missing time and “dealing” with a player stating that she wanted to have a baby – essentially equating that situation to an injury. Ellis handled the question with aplomb when she stated ” [it’s] not an injury” and then went on to state quite predictably, that of course, she would be very supportive etc. etc. The question brought to mind that as much as women’s sports has risen in the past few decades, there are still gender biases that are deeply inbred within the societal structure. In fact, as I write this, I am having cognitive dissonance about whether bringing this to light hinders or highlights the issue. In an interview for Fast Company, Amy Poehler of television fame appears in the June issue, Poehler rails on male Hollywood executives saying: “I have these meetings with really powerful men and they ask me all the time, ‘Where are your kids? Are your kids here?’ ” the mother of two told the magazine. “It’s such a weird question. Never in a million years do I ask guys where their kids are. It would be comparable to me going to a guy, ‘Do you feel like you see your kids enough?’ ” Poehler still sees the hidden agenda and traditional gender roles. One couldn’t help but notice all the players had their hair and makeup done prior to the event – not something men in similar situations would have to deal with. Why was it important for them to “look good” – aren’t we celebrating them as America’s team, and worried about questions like ‘can they win the World Cup?’ Shouldn’t Hollywood Executives be concerned about Poehler’s ability to act and if she is the right fit for the given role and not her kids? And as for Jill Ellis, she needs to focus on her 23 footballers and prepare for the World Cup – Yes, footballers or soccer players, not “these ladies” or “these women” and yes, the World Cup not the Women’s World Cup. Post Views: 2,213 The following two tabs change content below.BioLatest Posts Jayson Love Jayson is a Staff Writer for DoubleGSports.com Latest posts by Jayson Love (see all) Red Bulls Forced to Go with Make Shift Lineup Due to International Callups and Injury, Win 3-0 - March 25, 2018 The United States National Team Doesn’t Develop Young Talent? Don’t blame the Red Bulls - March 21, 2018 Red Bulls Make History with Champions League Win at Tijuana, Bradley Wright-Phillips Scores a Brace - March 7, 2018 New York Red Bulls Are New Look Red Bulls as 2018 Season Approaches - February 21, 2018 Related TopicsAbby WambachJill EllisMedia DaySoccerUS Women's National TeamUSWNTWorld Cup Click to comment You must be logged in to post a comment Login Leave a Reply Cancel replyYou must be logged in to post a comment. Newsletter Subscription Can't Miss Posts! Women in Sports: NHL Network Host, Jackie Redmond by Nicholas Durst | posted on March 4, 2019 Lochte, Dressel and Ledecky all Chasing Gold at 2021 Tokyo Olympics by Anthony Paradiso | posted on April 18, 2021 You Know I’m Right, Episode 109: The Athletic’s Marc Carig (Audio/Video) by Nicholas Durst | posted on April 19, 2021 You Know I’m Right, Episode 110: New York Giants’ Insider Paul Dottino (Audio/Video) by Nicholas Durst | posted on April 21, 2021 Whoop Rewards Employees With $100 Each Month To Sleep by Inesh Chari | posted on March 22, 2021 More in Soccer You Know I’m Right, Episode 95: Soccer Commentator Tommy Smyth (Audio/Video) On the 95th episode of You Know I’m Right, Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese are joined by... Competition Quickly Rises For Serie A Competition Rises For Serie A: Serie A is a professional Italian Soccer league where... Trinity Rodman Registers for the Womens NWSL Draft Dennis Rodman’s Daughter registers for the NWSL Draft At the age of 18, Trinity... From Inspired to Being an Inspiration: Sports Broadcaster & “The Morning Roast” Host Kate Scott (VIDEO) 95.7 FM “Morning Roast” radio host Kate Scott is a woman of many firsts... Liberty Newbies Show Plenty of Promise in Preseason Loss to Atlanta Red Bulls Invade Seattle Looking To Get Back On Track