Friday, April 13, 2007

The Woman Coach Wins With Attitude

What an uproar! Did someone just call young women athletes 'nappy headed hos?"

If you haven't heard or read about it, a radio personality used this term when referring to a woman's basketball team that became a major contender for the NCAA women's basketball tournament, but lost in the end. Vivian Stringer is their coach and mentor.

But she got my attention when I saw her response to the name calling. She was a good model for women on how to confront adversity with the right attitude and look like a winner. Her dignified response to the man and the frenzie caused by his remarks was superb.

Facing a negative situation with confidence, she publicly called for accountability from a well connected and influential man. What made me admire her response was how she could have used the media interviews to verbally slap back, but didn't. She responded with dignity and grace.

For a number of years now, American women seemed to have taken a step backwards in getting the respect they deserve. Women have been called all kinds of unflattering and insulting names in songs, magazines and television shows.

Unfortunately, I feel the real problem is that we allowed it. We should have put a stop to it long ago...and I mean ALL women should do this. The only way to be respected is to have enough respect for yourself and your gender by taking a stand when needed.

Thank you, Ms. Stringer, for being such a great role model.