Dangerous Ideas

The Indy 500 is tomorrow, and it wouldn’t take an expert to prodict there’s heaps of expectations on Danica Patrick. I’ve never been a big fan of racing (heck, I didn’t even realize what the difference was between NASCAR and Indy last year), but I tuned in to the 2005 Indy 500 to see Danica race. I think it’s great to see women competing against men in sports, and not just do well but be contenders to place first (see also 16-year old Michelle Wie). One of the big things for me is that although a lot of sexism and racism is a lot subtler these days (and can therefore be dismissed by people who don’t want to see it), people like Danica really bring make some people express themselves plainly, if stupidly (from the SJ Mercury/Knight Ridder):

”I just don’t think it’s a sport for women,” Petty told the Associated Press. “And so far, it’s proved out. It’s really not. It’s good for them to come in. It gives us a lot of publicity. It gives them publicity. But as far as being a real true racer, making a living out of it, it’s kind of tough.”

That quote is especially ridiculous since there are probably more people who know who Danica Patrick is than this Petty person, even if he is some sort of big champion.

A victory by Danica tomorrow would certainly (okay, hopefully) put these sorts of comments to rest, and maybe do change the minds of some less outspoken people with similar views about what’s proper for women, and what our limits are.

I’m rootin’ for you, Danica!