1st Genre Project - She? He? Is Caster Semenya Woman Enough?

Magazine Article
She? He? Is Caster Semenya Woman Enough?
By MEGAN ERVIN


February 17, 2014

Now that it is time for the Olympic Games again, many can recall the scandalous accusations brought up concerning Caster Semenya. In 2009, Caster Semenya won the gold medal in the women's 800-meter, but the win was eclipsed by the gender questions, and her competitors complained she should not have been allowed to compete.

Caster Semenya, the winner of a women's world championship medal competing in the sport of track has been the target of many gender testing debates. Many dispute whether the testing is useful or being misused. Ms. Semenya was even revealed to the rest of the world by her own nation. Now many people all over the world are questioning her genitalia, not to mention her track racing career is most likely over.

Ms. Semenya is irreproachable. She has become the victim of a victim less crime. She will now spend every waking moment, of every waking day feeling responsible in a way that she absolutely is not. (Anaphora) But who is to blame? If the tables were turned, how would the doctors who are now pointing fingers feel? Would the doctors feel as if they are responsible and to be blamed for how they were born? If we were placed in Ms. Semenya’s shoes, we would know exactly how badly the accusations would hurt.

The public has been vicious regarding this matter. People are curious about what happens to someone else. Curiosity leads to exploration. Exploration leads to investigation. Investigation leads to obsession. (Anadiplosis) The public along with the doctors, seemed almost obsessed with ruining Semenya's career.

While Ms. Semenya is the prey of the public, the doctors, and the sports officials, I see Caster as a role model. She not only won the race, but she won over the hearts of many people. After Semenya was cleared to run against women, she was chosen to carry the South African flag at the opening ceremony for the 2010 London Olympic Games.

In 2010, when Semenya was cleared to run against women, I can only imagine how she felt. I am sure she was relieved, but did she feel the need to continue her love for running, or did she let the accusations cut her running career short? Even though many were out to get her, Ms. Semenya should feel pride in her accomplishments thus far. I am unsure of the plans and goals she has yet to obtain, but I wouldn't put continuing to race past Caster Semenya. Ms. Semenya hasn't let the public conceal her talent. Caster Semenya lives to run, and runs to live. (Antimetabole) She isn't always going to let the public hold her down. Her light was made to shine.

MEGAN ERVIN

Source Citation

Wente, Margaret. "Semenya, the poster victim." Globe & Mail [Toronto, Canada] 24 Sept. 2009: A17. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 3 Mar. 2014.

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