In the short essay Basketball, by Andrea Busch, the author relates a story of watching men playing pick-up basketball at a public court, and the unusual circumstance of observing a woman trying to play with the men.  Basically, even though the female player was good at the game, she wasn't allowed to participate fully, fairly, or for very long, even though she proved her ability.  The author doesn't say where or when the events took place, but sadly the story could likely have taken place anywhere.

I was struck by the author's admission that after the new player sank her first shot, "...a huge feeling of relief and satisfaction came over me." Busch (2012).  This reminded me of a passage from another article, Real Indians: Identity and the Survival of Native America, by Eva Marie Garroutte, which described the idea that it was preferable to have someone who "looked" more Indian to represent all Native Americans for a college scholarship; this basketball player, who is a woman, not only was representing herself, but was representing all women.  The author and observer, also a woman, was counting on the player to demonstrate some prowess and represent women with distinction.  In other words, the female player had to be a hero, not just a player.

As teachers, I think that we all can contribute greatly to improving equity, at least in our immediate environment, by simply providing a framework, space, and expectation of equity and respect.  Girls should grow up knowing that they can be scientists, artists, leaders, athletes, or whatever they want to be; boys should grow up knowing the same, about boys, girls, or anyone. 

In the last lines of the essay, the author remarks that she was both surprised that the girl had not been more accepted, and that she never saw her again at the court; one common truth is that tenacity, or showing up, is half of the battle.  However, when a person in a minority feels unaccepted, and maybe even threatened, perseverance becomes heroic.  Even though, as is often said, "difference shouldn't matter", I sincerely hope that the next U.S. President is a woman.  It's about time.

References:

Busch, A. (2012). Basketball. The Meaning of Difference, McGraw-Hill, NY, NY, p. 122. 

Garroutte, E. (2003). Real Indians: Identity and the Survival of Native America. University of California Press.