Hi, I'm 16 years old, and I'm doing a project on how women are exploited in male-dominated sports (cheerlearers, WCW 'Nitro Girls' etc.). I find myself wondering why men need this extra entertainment; as if the sport they are watching is boring without girls jumping around in short skirts. I was wondering if you had an opinion on this subject, and if you knew where I could get some more information. Thanks!

Thanks for your note to Feminist.com--and here are a few suggestions:

1.) A book entitled--The Stronger Women Get the More Men Love Football.

2.) The Women's Sports Foundation

3.) Women's Sports Page

I think the answer is simple--men like women "acting silly" and girlie while they are acting strong and manly--to underscore or to reinforce their power. Many times men are fueled by insecurities--i.e. that feminists are trying to take their power away. This is one attempt for them to keep their power and to reinforce the power difference.

—Amy