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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009
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 OPINION 
22

Semenya's Makeover Downright Cynical

Too bad South African athlete can't just 'wear pants if she feels like it'

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(Newser) – The appearance of Caster Semenya, the runner who was the subject of gender controversy at last month’s world championships, all made over on the cover of a South African magazine has blogger Anna N., on Jezebel, smelling a rat. “It’s hard not to see the shoot as a calculated move by her managers to sell the public on her ‘femininity,’” Anna writes. “This is especially sad because up until now, Semenya and her family have been unapologetic about the way she looks and dresses.”

“From Susan Boyle to Semenya, magazine ‘makeovers’ send the message that there's one way for women to look good, and the closer you get to it the happier you’ll be,” Anna seethes. “I’d rather live in a world where Caster Semenya can wear pants if she feels like it, rather than one where she needs a team of stylists to be considered ‘feminine.’”

Athlete Semenya Caster, whose gender was questioned after a recent event, is seen post-makeover in a South African magazine.
Athlete Semenya Caster, whose gender was questioned after a recent event, is seen post-makeover in a South African magazine.   (You)
Caster Semenya, at the World Athletics Championships in Berlin, Aug. 19, 2009.
Caster Semenya, at the World Athletics Championships in Berlin, Aug. 19, 2009.   (AP Photo)
Caster Semenya at last month's world championships, left, and on the cover of the current You edition.
Caster Semenya at last month's world championships, left, and on the cover of the current You edition.   (AP Photo (left); You magazine (right))
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Her father said that she had always preferred pants, but that she was still a woman—and the idea that she has to put on a dress and lipstick to prove her femaleness to people is pretty depressing. - Anna N., on Caster Semenya

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22 comments
VIEWING:
 
Jayster999
Sep 8, 09 8:40 PM CDT
Yeah, it's a damn shame that people are urging her to actually look like a woman. It's a regular tragedy. Reply
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-7
IN RESPONSE:
Deebles
Sep 9, 09 12:29 AM CDT
Jay my dear, she is a woman who has a bountiful supply of natural testosterone. She shouldn't have to appear 'like a woman' than anyone else. Remember when I got reamed about Dana Torres cause she's married to the endocrinologist who has testosterone and estrogen in his little bag? That be women. Men just need steroids--women need the gamut. And to Fondue--no, no one gives a flying fuck about this. I just wanted to say hey to Jay.
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-1
Fondue
Sep 8, 09 8:42 PM CDT
People still care? Reply
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+4
IN RESPONSE:
pilotman
Sep 8, 09 11:43 PM CDT
Dont make fun of Newser for posting such an article!!
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0
IN RESPONSE:
maryz
Sep 8, 09 9:15 PM CDT
Serious? She is a she.
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+2

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