The Oxford English dictionary states that the work athlete is derived from the word athlos. The word athlos translated to the English language means "to content for a prize." Based on the humanistic study of language, and literature the term athlete has come to mean a competitor in physical exercise. It also comes to mean an individual who by special training and exercise has acquired great physical strength.... a physically powerful, robust, vigorous man." This definition leads us to believe that only men can be athletes. What is sexism? This should be the next question we ask ourselves. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, sexism is prejudice or discrimination based on sex. The Senior Olympics breaks the barriers of age, and sex in sport involvement. The conception of athlete promoted by the Senior Olympics can be used to change our dominant sport culture (Foucault).
After watching television, flipping though magazine advertisements, and newspaper articles, the stereotyping of men and women is so apparent; however, society is extremely blind to it. The social construction of reality states that all ideas arise from human social existence (Foucault). …