All fun and games? The effects and implications of Battle of the Sexes
Most students anticipate the annual Battle of the Sexes spirit week, which concludes with a climactic Battle of the Sexes pep rally. The spirit week consists of enjoyable dress-up days: pajama day, twin day, -er day, and pink versus blue day. At the end of the week, opposing teams compete in games like family feud, a tug of war, and others. Each team earns points by participating in dress-up days, lunch games, and spirit games at the pep rally. At the end of the rally, the team with the most points wins.
ASB has continued to host the event in order to promote school spirit, encourage unity, and create a fun environment for students to enjoy. “We mean for it to be a friendly competition between the guys and the girls,” Senior Class President Avalon Johnson said.
Many students appear to enjoy the event and find it to be entertaining. Shouts and cheers could be heard resounding throughout Caiman Hall during the pep rally, proving just how much spirit is brought on by the event. However, although many students find the spirit week to be enjoyable, there also exists a noteworthy camp of students who find Battle of the Sexes to be offensive and hurtful.
Battle of the Sexes creates rivalry between males and females that can quickly escalate to a harmful degree.
“It reveals the fundamental issue that boys and girls are still thought of to be against each other,” sophomore Megan Oakes said. “We can’t be pitting men and women against each other. Men should be for women and women should be for men.”
The provocation of an age-old rivalry between genders has the potential to create a hostility and tension that far exceeds the playful competition of Homecoming Spirit Week. This animosity has reached sobering new heights at other schools. As far back as 1998, the Battle of the Sexes pep rally at McClintock High School in Tempe, Arizona escalated when the boys chanted, “Pork chop, pork chop, good and greasy, McClintock girls are easy.” The Associated Press also reported a boy and a girl wrestling in gelatin, boys wearing T-shirts reading “Girls suck” and sexually suggestive actions that were reminiscent of rape during the pep rally.
“We always have been a different school,” Ms. Judy Zazvrskey said. “I would like to think that because we are kind of like a family … we can support each other, respect each other and still have this activity, but make it so people are all included.”
Unfortunately, it seems like our school is not as far away from McClintock High School as we might hope. Some students reported hearing sexist conversations that arose following the rally, far exceeding the playful spirit that the event was meant to embody. Certain posters in Caiman Hall — which ASB later took down due to the offensive material — included hurtful quips such as, “There have been 44 presidents and none of them have been female” This sign and others were shockingly reminiscent of McClintock High posters, one even reading “Girls, go back to the kitchen.”
In anticipation of the potential for harm, teachers and faculty members wore wore lanyards that read, “Battle of the Caimans: excellence knows no gender.” The lanyard’s message was to “show that ASB…in no way is claiming that one gender is inferior or superior to the other,” said ASB President Tanner Mizel.
But the lanyards left some students wondering: if a school event generates a recognized, anticipated potential for harm, why would we continue to have it?
In addition, Battle of the Sexes Spirit Week makes the assumption that there are only two genders amongst the student body. There are many transgender students and non-gender conforming students — people who do not fit the definition of male or female — who feel ostracized and forgotten because of the pep rally. “It’s like, ‘Do we not exist? What are we? What do we wear? What do we do?’ It leaves us out,” transgender student Parker Barry said.
Even if students do not agree with non-gender conforming individuals’ lifestyles, there needs to be acknowledgement and respect on a school-wide level. This is, and should always be, a school where students feel that they are respected and supported.
Some students have attempted to bring attention to the adverse implications of Battle of the Sexes pep-rally. Megan Oakes and Emily Wright made white T-shirts encouraging students to, “Support Gender Equality.”
During the rally, boys and girls teams competed in an exciting game of dodgeball.
“[Battle of the Sexes] isn’t representative of people and it’s completely defeating the purpose of having a school that’s supposed to be unified, so I wanted to do something about it,” Oakes said.
ASB representatives may have responded to those who had concern, but didn’t feel prepared to do with enough time.
“One of the difficulties with that assembly was that it was the day of [the event] that we even found out about [the outrage],” Mizel said. “We could have resolved some of these issues beforehand, but they didn’t come to us before, so there was no way for us to address it the day of [the pep rally].”
ASB exists to be a group of servant leaders of the student body. Let there be no mistake; they wish to create a fun environment for all students.
“We are here for the student body, and we make these kinds of events so kids can have fun … We want the students here at school to enjoy the environment and we are absolutely willing to listen to what people have to say,” ASB junior president Danny Miller said.
In light of the concerns raised by the student body about the pep rally, ASB wishes to hold an open forum to hear feedback from students about Battle of the Sexes. “We want to be receptive and understanding and listen to the complaints of others,” ASB member Max Burns said. “We want people to be heard and we want to create the most unifying environment possible.”
Moving forward, the ASB and the student body at CAHS have to ask themselves a hard question: is male versus female competition a healthy dynamic in any dose?
The effects of a Battle of the Sexes are far too potentially dangerous to be worth a an hour of competitive “school spirit” between the sexes. There are other themes that ASB could implement, such as competitions pitting freshmen and seniors against sophomores and juniors. To respond to the controversy, ASB has proposed “things like changing the name to Battle of the Caimans instead of Battle of the Sexes, and also things like maybe having school colors instead of blue and pink,” according to Mizel. We, as the student body, must work together with ASB to adjust the Battle of the Sexes to better represent the student body as a whole.
ASB will be hosting an open forum to discuss Battle of the Sexes next Thursday, 3/26/15 in Caiman Hall at 12:30. Leave a comment with your ideas for an alternative spirit week theme, or if you believe Battle of the Sexes rally should continue as a tradition.
Joe swanson • Mar 23, 2015 at 1:04 pm
The trangender students have the option to just not participate in battle of the sexes. Are we really going to stop this tradition because of a few people? A recent study have proven that 96.6% of americans are straight, which means that only 3.4% are gay. Our school has about 700 students (I think). That means that there’s only about 24 transgenders and gays at our school. That means that 24 poeple are capable of ruining battle of the sexes for 676 people. To me, that’s completely imbecile.
Madeline Holway • Mar 27, 2015 at 10:49 pm
The study that you are referencing, done by the CDC (it can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhsr/nhsr077.pdf if anyone would like to see it), states that 96.6% of Americans are straight. This study is about sexual orientation, not gender identity. They are two completely different things. Also, because many students at our school come from public schools where they did not fit in, it is likely that a higher percentage of students at our school do not fit into the heteronormative standard of society than at other schools. Additionally, our school is a place where students come to feel safe. Our school has always prided itself on its unity, acceptance, and family-like atmosphere. This pep rally is compromising that. Even if your statistics were correct, 24 is not a negligible amount, especially when it’s 24 kids.
Marco T • Mar 19, 2015 at 7:48 pm
The editorial board states that the Battle of the Sexes creates rivalry between males and females that can quickly escalate to a harmful degree. They develop this claim from examples from McClintock High School, such as sexist chants and offensive t-shirts. The board also provided information on saying that transgender and non-gender conforming students are feeling ostracized. Lastly they tell us that a group of students have worn white t-shirts to support gender equality. The editorial boards purpose is to explore the effects and implications of the Battle of the Sexes in order to inform the student body of a potential harm which may arise from the controversy. This is significant to the people who wore the gender equality t-shirts. What is your opinion on this topic.
Nataleigh Dupler • Mar 19, 2015 at 5:10 pm
The editorial bored argues that, The Classical Academy High School “Battle of the Sexes” Pep rally creates and forms boundaries between male and females. They claim that “It reveals the fundamental issue that boys and girls are still thought of to be against each other,” and “We can’t be pitting men and women against each other. Men should be for women and women should be for men.” The editorial bored develops this claim by first stating that the games and some sprit days form a harmful environment because some kids don’t identify themselves with their gender. They also continues to say that these sprit weeks have cause some kids to take it too far and having sexist conversations, which were later reported. The editorial bored that this is “far exceeding the playful spirit that the event was meant to embody.” Lastly, the author brings up the sexist posters that were around the school, they claim that these poster were extremely offensive. Some examples of these posters were, “There have been 44 presidents and none of them have been female,” and “Girls, go back to the kitchen.” However, the school continues to argue that they want to “create the most unifying environment possible.” The editorial bored purpose is to stop the sexist pep rallies in order to stop forcing boys and girls apart. This work is significant because ASB want to push people together, not apart. It is important to her other people opinions, and we should stop/change this school tradition. Do you agree with CAHS stopping Battle of the Sexes?
Megan • Mar 19, 2015 at 2:47 pm
Editorial board challenges that people have been protesting against battle of the sexes. They say that students did not like that girls were being pitting against boys and vice versa. The Editorial board gets this by seeing the shirts that say “Support Gender Equality”. They also asked students and staff around the school what they thought. Lastly the Editorial board tells history on things kind of like this, which has happened. The Editorial board’s reason to write this story is probably because many students were wondering what the shirts were.
Did I correctly explain your article?
Gavin Lucas • Mar 19, 2015 at 2:44 pm
Gavin Lucas
3-17-15
Mr.Johnson P.4
Rhetorical Template
The Editorial board argues that even though the battle of the sexes was fun some people offended. They claimed that some of the students got offended and many wanted some of the posters to be taken down because of what was said on the posters.
The Editorial Board develops this claim by first stating that some of the boys statements were rude and sexist and some of the posters had to be taken down because of the Inappropite things that were being said. Lastly the author wants to state that some of the student body took it to far and should have said some of the things that yeah did.
The editorial board purpose is to inform students what happened and why we are not doing this next year. This is significant because It shows that the students need to take thing more real.
Did i properly explain your Article
Sarah Soto • Mar 19, 2015 at 2:39 pm
The crimson news sight argues that battle of the sexes is a fun activity for both the boys and girls. They claimed that both genders are equal. They develop this claim by having competitions between both genders. There were competitions between both genders all week. From dressing up to games at lunch to a big pep rally. Lastly they said it was a good idea to pair up and have a fun time.
Does this response clearly interpert what you wanted to read?
Caleb Standley • Mar 19, 2015 at 2:31 pm
The crimson news argues that battle of the sexes Is bad and creates tension between the genders. The crimson news claims that battle of the sexes name should be changed or shouldn’t exist at all. The crimson new develops their claim by first says it is bad to put each gender against each other, moreover they begin comparing us to some public school that has nothing to do with us and the only thing we have in common is that we both had a battle of the sexes rally. Lastly, the crimson news talks about the little or big things that offended everyone and then went back and compared us to McClintock high school. The crimson new purpose was to show how the battle of the sexes was bad in order to get it to stop. This work is significant because it shows another view to the student body.
Did these words explain your article correctly.
Janet Batten • Mar 19, 2015 at 2:31 pm
Janet Batten
3/18/15
English 9
4th Period
Battle of the Sexes
Some CAHS students argue that the Battle of the Sexes creates rivalry that could lead to sexist attitudes which could be harmful and offensive. They claim that the pep rally reveals that boys and girls are still thought of to be against each other. These students developed their claim by first comparing McClintock High School in Arizona where boys and girls made fun of and said mean things to each other. Even CAHS students heard other students talking about sexist things after the pep rally was over.
Many of the students wondered “ if a school event generates a recognized, anticipated potential for harm, why would we continue to have it?” Lastly the author argues that not all students at CAHS identifies as male or female. There are some transgender students. They say “it’s like, do we not exist?”
The opposing students’ purpose is to stop CAHS from having the Battle of the Sexes in order to avoid creating tension between the sex genders. This work is significant because it explains how some people are against the Battle of the Sexes, and also that women can do almost anything that men can do.
Did these words explain
Sidney Pinkerton • Mar 19, 2015 at 2:29 pm
The Crimson News argues that there has been some controversy about Battle of the Sexes week at Classical Academy Middle School. They claim that a group of students believed this was a sexist competition and wore gender equality shirts to the pep rally. They investigate the problems that some students have with this week, as well as ways to change it in order to appease all students. They give opinions from both sides of the controversy and give specific thoughts about the spirit week. Lastly the author mentions how this was suppose to be a friendly competition with no sexism involved. Their purpose was to inform us about the controversy of Battle of the Sexes in order to stress that it was only suppose to be a friendly competition. This work is significant because it lets us see a different side of the spirit week and think of ways to spread peace between both genders and encourage unity. Did my words explain your article correctly?
Kaitlyn • Mar 19, 2015 at 2:26 pm
The Editorial board for journalism argues that there is a downside to the battle of the sexes. They claim that it is detrimental to gender equality and can lead to sexism. The board develops this claim by first giving examples of another school’s battle of the sexes becoming more than just fun and games. A few people who were interviewed claimed that our school wasn’t close to following in steps of the other school. The board sadly reported that our school wasn’t as far off as they had thought. The editorial boards purpose it to raise awareness to this problem that has arisen. Did I properly explain your article?
Ashley • Mar 19, 2015 at 2:26 pm
The Editorial Board argues that although fun, many interpreted the Battle Of The Sexes to be sexist. S/he argues that many students enjoyed the rally but some found the situation to be harmful. The Board develops this claim by first introducing the prep rally, then providing information and quotes from others who felt hurt by the situation. The board states that some overheard sexist and threatening remarks from other students between one another. Lastly, the author puts out information for a meeting to discuss the topic, in order to make sure the opportunity is understood so you can get your word heard. This work is significant because schools do not promote hurtful actions and events and would gladly suspend the matter if it people were to make their feelings open to the scholastic community.
Grace Davis • Mar 19, 2015 at 2:26 pm
Battle of The Sexes; Not All Fun and Games
Classical Academy’s editorial board argues that our claimed to be harmless Battle of The Sexes week is controversial, and it’s seen as offensive to many students. They claim that pinning men and women against each other, and generalizing the entire student body into two genders, is seen as wrong in the eyes of many. Although they cover the fact that many see this as offensive, they also bring up the fact that many students and teachers believe that this a harmless event all in the name of fun.
They develop this claim by first explaining the background behind The Battle of The Sexes week and giving brief overview of both side’s opinions. They challenge the reader to pick a side they agree with as they read along and discover more about the truth behind this spirit week. Lastly, the authors finalize the two opinion’s claims with quotes, evidence, and suggestions from the event.
The editorial board’s purpose is to inform the reader on the current events at our school and how others may feel about them in order to prepare for future years at CAHS. This work is significant because it applies to anyone and shows how much of an impact a spirit day can have on a school as a whole.
Did I properly explain your article?
Faith • Mar 19, 2015 at 1:07 pm
The Editorial Board spoke to a few students here at CAHS and those students felt that the Battle of the Sexes pep rally was offensive and sexist. Personally, I feel that the Battle of the Sexes is a great and fun way to bring a little competition into the student body. I know that some people felt out of place but why bring it to attention the day of the even? What is that really going to solve? no one can handle a situation respectively and courteously for those involved right before the event is supposed to happen. The purpose for this event is to bring friendly competition throughout the student body. This is an annual event and I strongly believe it should not be stopped. If some don’t want to participate then they don’t have to. Why take away something that almost everyone in the student body loves and has fun with just because some don’t like it or is not for it. Its the equivalent of taking away homecoming because some hate dancing. The Battle of the Sexes is a good thing that should stay at CAHS.
Kaleigh Strong • Mar 19, 2015 at 1:04 pm
The annual Battle Of The Sexes pep rally has caused an uproar of controversy over whether the event supports rivalry between girls and boys. The CAHS editorial staff argues that some students find this event to be offensive and hurtful to both genders. The event is meant to be an uplifting and friendly competition between the student body but has the potential of harm. In the article, they claim that some students see that the pep rally is enjoyable and entertaining while others think the pep rally supports the idea that men and women are still differentiating themselves from one another. For instance, an example they used to support this claim was the comparison of CAHS to McClintock in Tempe, Arizona where a Battle Of The Sexes pep rally has been a tradition from as far back as 1998. The editorial staff explores how this event caused large controversy between students at McClintock, including the boys chanting about how “McClintock girls are easy.” The article goes on further to examine how CAHS isn’t too far off from being like McClintock High School. Sexist conversations that occurred after the event and posters that contained offensive material were a few things mentioned. This article also states that the event may create an assumption that there are only two genders among the student body of CAHS. It is argued that even if students don’t agree with non-gender conformed individuals and their lifestyles there still needs to be acknowledgement and respect on a school-wide basis. ASB has acknowledged the concerns of students about Battle Of The Sexes and looks to respond to the controversy to make changes to the event like changing the name to Battle of the Caimans and changing to event colors from pink and blue to school colors. Lastly, the editorial staff mentions that we as the student body must work with ASB to make this event better represent the student body as a whole so that it can be enjoyed by everyone.
Was this article meant to inform us of people’s different opinions so we are more respectful and considerate of what we say to one another?
Riley S. • Mar 19, 2015 at 12:55 pm
The Editorial Board argues that the battle of the sexes pep rally, hosted by CAHS A.S.B., was very sexist. They claim that the battle of the sexes theme was offensive to transgender or non-gender students. The Board first develops this claim by saying that the pep-rally creates hostility between girls and guys. The Board also develops their claim by giving examples of sexism in another school in Arizona. Lastly, the author shows how they talked to non-gender and transgender students about their feelings. “‘Do we not exist? What are we? What do we wear? What do we do?’ It leaves us out,” transgender student Parker Barry said.” (crimsonnews.org) The Editorial Board’s purpose is to inform us that although the battle of the sexes can be fun, it does offend some of the student body. What should the future of pep-rallys look like?
Grace G. • Mar 19, 2015 at 12:52 pm
In the article, “All fun and games? The effects and implications of Battle of the Sexes,” the author states that the games can be offensive, can create an intense rivalry between men and women, and even leave those that do not identify in a certain gender feeling uncomfortable and forgotten. The author states that although Battle of the Sexes has been enjoyed in schools for many generations, it has still spiked controversy from the competition between men and women, bringing hostility and tensions to the table. To further explain this statement, the author investigates the fact that some of the signs on the men’s team went so far as to be derogative, with one sign exclaiming “There have been 44 presidents, and none of them have been female.” The author continues to explore this statement, and also brings up the fact that those who do not identify as male or female feel that their identities are erased, further showing that the games can be more harmful than many have thought. While the games are meant for fun, the author explains that they are rather damaging, and that all genders deserve respect, recognition, and support; especially when many come to school for a safe place. The author’s purpose of the article is to raise awareness of how damaging competitions between men and women can be, to get all perspectives on the subject, and to explain how it can be changed, fixed, and made better to create teamwork of all genders, rather than a rivalry. In conclusion, this work is significant because it better explains how offensive battle of the sexes is towards those not conforming to the gender of male or female, how all genders should work together, and it further raises awareness to those that might have been confused by why battle of the sexes is harmful.
Am I on target with what the article stated?
Calvin Arend • Mar 19, 2015 at 12:47 pm
In the article “All Fun and Games?”, the Crimson News editorial staff argues that the idea of a Battle of the Sexes spirit week is unnecessary and potentially dangerous. They claim that rather than having fun, this spirit week can be harmful and offensive to various students who are “on the fence.”
The editorial staff expands on this by exploring various people’s opinions who were extremely sensitive over the situation. Next, they question whether or not we should even have this spirit week. Finally, the staff interviewed various students on ASB who are trying to resolve the outrage without completely eliminating the spirit week.
Their purpose is to convince the reader that a Battle of the Sexes spirit week is completely unnecessary and it can offend various people in disagreement over the situation. This article is significant because it is covering the latest breakthrough of a small group of people trying to totally eradicate or transform a spirit week that is clearly enjoyed by most of the student body.
Does the majority of the student body feel the need to eliminate or change this event or are there only a small amount of people feeling this way? Thank you!
Alexa • Mar 19, 2015 at 12:46 pm
The Crimson editorial board illustrates how Battle of the Sexes potentially has a negative impact on students, in their article, “All fun and games? The effects and implications of Battle of the Sexes.” While the work could potentially be biased, since it does not come from ASB, it does work in a strong way to explain how Battle of the Sexes is harmful. Throughout the article, the author heavily emphasizes on how Battle of the Sexes puts boys and girls against each other, as oppose to working together. To support this claim, the editorial board explains how some posters in the auditorium were offensive to female students, and actually demeaning. Additionally, the author further elaborates on how Battle of the Sexes is potentially harmful by stating how the battle just supports two genders: boys and girls. This completely excludes non-binary genders, and leaves students that present themselves as a different gender other than a boy or girl completely left out from the pep rally.
The editorial board states that they understand that the Battle of the Sexes is a game for fun, and a long-time tradition on campus. However, they do not support the sexism that seems to breed when you have competitions with boys and girls against each other. The article’s purpose is to explain how a Battle of the Sexes really is not necessary, and even persuade readers of having a different type of pep rally.
Does my view of this article agree with the point you were trying to persuade readers to understand?
Aubree Delavara • Mar 19, 2015 at 12:45 pm
The Crimson News argues that, although the “Battle of the Sexes” pep rally was fun and enjoyable, many others didn’t think so. The point of “Battle of the Sexes” wasn’t made to put boys against girls. It was made for merely playful competition. “We mean for it to be a friendly competition between the boys and the girls,” Senior class president Avalon Johnson said. But others didn’t think the “Battle of the Sexes” was all that playful. Some thought is symbolized gender inequality.
This experience was likened to the McClintock High School’s, whose supposedly “friendly competition” went out of control when men started to have a more sexist approach. This was shown when they said things like, “Go back to the kitchen, women.” Guys at the McClintock high school also began to make sexual suggested actions towards girls. Crimson news pointed out that some of the signs had to be taken down due to being seen as sexist. One of them said, “There have been 44 presidents. None of them were women.” It was also added a picture to the article, which was of a poster that said “Eve was taken from Adam’s ribs, take that!” Crimson News implied that the people who made the poster meant that women rely on men.
Lastly, Crimson News pointed out how our school isn’t too different from the McClintock School, which could make a lot of reader’s feel ashamed, motivated to make a difference. The Crimson News article ended on more of a positive note, saying that the school must work together to adjust The Battle of the Sexes so that it appeals so all people as not sexist. Although the article focused on the negative side of the friendly competition, this serves as a reminder to the students at Classical Academy to be respectful of one another.
Is this what the author of “All Fun and Games? The effects and implications of Battle of the Sexes” intended to convey?
Evahn France • Mar 19, 2015 at 12:42 pm
Battle of The Sexes Précis
The editorial board argues that the battle of the sexes week made a majority of the non-gender and anti-gender competition feel offended and excluded. They claim that, by several sources, a handful of students disagreed on the battle of the sexes week but didn’t express it publicly until the last day of the week at the pep rally.
The board develops this claim by first informing the reader on what the battle of the sexes week is and what its main purpose is. The board investigates the apparent riot and interviews several people opposing this spirit week. Lastly the author shares stories on other schools that have this problem also making it more relatable
The editorial board’s purpose is to express the conflict that many of the students witnessed on friday in order to make sure that both sides are explained properly. This work is significant because it was a big challenge for ASB and the staff to keep people from arguing or disagreeing to much so this was written so that people could understand the conflict and how it played out without hearing twisted words and gossip.
Does this response clearly interpret what you wanted to convey to the reader?
Evahn France • Mar 19, 2015 at 12:41 pm
Battle of The Sexes Précis
The editorial board argues that the battle of the sexes week made a majority of the non-gender and anti-gender competition feel offended and excluded. They claim that, by several sources, a handful of students disagreed on the battle of the sexes week but didn’t express it publicly until the last day of the week at the pep rally.
The board develops this claim by first informing the reader on what the battle of the sexes week is and what its main purpose is. The board investigates the apparent riot and interviews several people opposing this spirit week. Lastly the author shares stories on other schools that have this problem also making it more relatable.
The editorial board’s purpose is to express the conflict that many of the students witnessed on friday in order to make sure that both sides are explained properly. This work is significant because it was a big challenge for ASB and the staff to keep people from arguing or disagreeing to much so this was written so that people could understand the conflict and how it played out without hearing twisted words and gossip.
Does this response clearly interpret what you wanted to convey to the reader?
gabby s. • Mar 19, 2015 at 12:40 pm
The editorial board informs the readers of the controversy surrounding the Battle of the Sexes pep rally. They claim that certain students who do not identify with either gender felt ostracized during the pep rally. However, as a member of ASB who put the event on, I can testify that no one approached us about how they felt, so we had no way to fix the issue before it started. The editorial board also explains that there are some solutions such as changing the name or starting a different pep rally. Their purpose is to inform the student body of the open forum that ASB is hosting to discuss the pep rally, because the goal for our school is to always be accepting and make everyone unified. Should the Battle of the Sexes be continued based on these facts?
Dana • Mar 19, 2015 at 12:39 pm
The Editorial Board argues that the guys and girls “Battle of the Sexes” is a friendly competition but some people thought there should be equal right between the genders. They claim that it was a friendly competition and they brought the genders together. For example, by the teachers starting with a girl and guy, but towards the end the guys and girl all came together. The dancers also did the same thing. The Editorial Board develops this claims first by asking Megan Oaks what she thinks she said “It reveals the fundamental issue that boys and girls are still thought of to be against each other,We can’t be pitting men and women against each other. Men should be for women and women should be for men.” They have done this since pep rally 1998 and have had no problems. The Editorial Board states they are just trying to play a friendly competition, but some other people still think it not some argued such as “there has been 44 presidents and none of them have been females.” Lastly, the author states that ASB has worked hard on the pep rally with the dancing and the set up. Megan Oaks and Emily Wright made T-shirts to “Support Gender Equality.” The Editorial Board purpose is to tell everyone that ASB did not was to make it seem like “Battle of the Sexes” is a bad thing. This work is significant because ASB is not against any genders and all they want is to have some fun.
Is my summarize on topic?
Cassie Bleher • Mar 19, 2015 at 10:58 am
In “All fun and games? The effects and implications of Battle of the Sexes”, the editorial board argues that “Battle of the sexes creates rivalry between males and females that can quickly escalate to a harmful degree.” They claim that “the provocation of an age – old rivalry between genders has the potential to create hostility and tension that far exceeds the playful competition of Homecoming Spirit Week.” The board develops this claim by comparing CAHS to McClintock High School, where the tension and hostility have grown to new heights. They added that “…our school is not as far away from McClintock High School as we might hope.” The board explained how inappropriate and offensive posters were taken down and how sexist conversations were overheard after the pep rally. Lastly, the author (or authors) acknowledge(s) the fact that transgender non-gender conforming students feel very left out of the Battle of the Sexes. The editorial board’s purpose was examine the pros and cons of the Battle of the Sexes Spirit Week in order to have an open forum to discuss the battle and if we as a student body should keep this tradition. This work is significant because spirit weeks affects us as a student body and we should know what changes the school is making.
Does this analysis go along with your purpose of the article?
John • Mar 19, 2015 at 10:49 am
The editorial argues the the battle of the sexes is was poorly planned and was completely sexist. She claims that we make it a big deal and act as though men are superior to women. The editorial develops this claim by first bringing up an example of a school in Arizona. This school was having sexist chants, that were likely harmless joking, but the author took them very seriously. The editorial brings up multiple interviews that all agree with her position. Lastly, the author states that maybe we arent very different than the school in Arizona and that we have trouble with sexism. The editorial’s purpose is to state that we are immature and unable to recognize the equality of the sexes in order to give the impression that this event is a bad idea. This work is significant to me because it contains only one side of an argument and i disagree with just about every word on it. Would you agree?
Maddi Stennett • Mar 19, 2015 at 10:48 am
The editorial board argues that the battle of the sexes does not support everyone in the school. They claim that there are many people in the school that do not agree with the pep rally that is designed to have friendly competition. The board then develops the claim by first just describing battle of the sexes then explores how a small group of students disagrees with it. They go in depth into the view of this small group of students interviewing on people in that group of students. Lastly the author mentions how the ASB are going to consider the assembly for next year. The Editorial Board’s purpose is to try to convince people of how the assembly is sexist in order to stop it even though school has been doing it since it started. This work is significant because it is questioning a school tradition going against the opinion of the majority of the student body. Why were you so strong against the battle of the sexes and state the opinions of the minority of the school?
Luke • Mar 19, 2015 at 10:45 am
The editorial argues that the battle of the sexes was poorly planned and wasn’t a good idea. They claim that the event created tension between guys and girls and was the cause of sexist conversations and posters in the school. The editorial develops this claim by first challenging the reasoning behind the assembly and says that it was a poor idea that caused outrage in some students. Lastly the author says that transgender and non-gender identifying students were angry about it more than others. The editorial’s purpose is to convince the reader that the “Battle of the Sexes” shouldn’t happen again and get removed from schools. This work is significant because the author demonstrates the distaste in the event from the student body but doesn’t properly display both sides of the argument. Why only display one side of the argument and only talk to those who expressed distaste in the event?
Daryl Goh • Mar 19, 2015 at 10:41 am
In the article, the Editorial Board presents both sides of some controversy that was caused by the annual CAHS “Battle of the Sexes” spirit week and pep rally. The article starts off with a quote from senior Avalon Johnson, saying that “[ASB] meant for it to be a friendly competition between the guys and girls” and that the spirit week was to get students pumped up and excited to come to school, with spring break right around the corner. However, the article then states that some students found the spirit week “hurtful” and “offensive”. “Men should be for women and women should be for men”, one student says. Also, transgender students feel forgotten in the midst of the exciting week, saying that people just make the assumption that “there are only two genders”. This led to all the teachers wearing badges that said “Battle of the Caimans: Excellence Knows No Gender” on Friday. “We have always been a different school, and I would like to think that we are all one big family”, says Ms. Z, president of CAHS Associative Student Body.
I think that the Journalism Editorial Board did an amazing job of presenting both sides of the argument, even putting a comment section at the bottom of the page for anyone who feels free to leave a thought. The controversy caused by this event is very imminent and is a growing problem for many schools. ~Daryl Goh
savione • Mar 19, 2015 at 9:51 am
The Editorial argues that the battle of sexes is a fun and exciting pep rally for guys and girls. They claim that instead of having The battle of the sexes, they are thinking of having battle of the caimans. The board develops this claim by first putting freshman and seniors together, and sophomores and juniors together for competition. Lastly The Board says that there are transgenders and non-genders, say they don’t fit the definition of male or female. The Editorial Board’s purpose is to inform us that the battle of the sexes is supposed to be fun for all!
Adaly Tapia • Mar 19, 2015 at 9:50 am
Battle of the Sexes
The editorial board argues that the battle of the sexes is not something that should occur at CAHS do to the fact that some students dislike the concept. They claim that many students are against the battle of the sexes and find it offensive and hurtful. The editorial board develops this by asking students for their opinions.”It reveals the fundamental issue that boys and girls are still thought of to be against each other” this is an opinion from Megan Oakes.
The editorial board on the other hand explains what the battle of the sexes is meant to say, unity. Although many disagree on this ASB explains that it was all fun and games and was not meant to harm anyone. Lastly the author gives the opinion from Max Burns “We want to be receptive and understanding and listen to the complaints of others. We want people to be heard and we want to create the most unifying environment possible.”
The editorial board’s purpose is to shed some light on a topic that many dislike, battle of the sexes, and show the good and the bad side. This work is significant because it gives opinions from both sides and lets us know what people feel about battle of the sexes.
Johanna E. • Mar 19, 2015 at 9:38 am
The Editorial Board argues how the effects of Battle of the Sexes are dangerous and it’s offensive to many peers. They also claimed a lot of students were outraged with the event. The author developed this claim by investigating how students were offended by posters hung in the Caiman Hall. Posters that read, “Eve was made from Adam’s ribs, take that!” Also, students were left wondering if it’s a harmful event, why continue? Lastly, the author stated how “Battle of the Sexes Spirit Week makes the assumption that there are only two genders amongst the student body” (“All fun and games? The effects and implications of Battle of the Sexes”). Their purpose was to bring awareness to the student body on how Battle of the Sexes is a harmful event. This work is significant because it shows the voices of the many students on campus and how they feel about this event. Would you agree or not?
Catalina • Mar 19, 2015 at 9:38 am
The Editorial board presents that some students at Classical Academy find the battle of the sexes offensive while other students find it an enjoyable event. The board states that the battle stirs up a rivalry between the girls and the boys and that can become dangerous. The Editorial board develops this claim by first bringing up a real life case of discrimination between sexes that took place at a high school in Tempe, Arizona. The board explained that sexist conversations were being spoken at Classical between some students as well due to the rally. Lastly, the author wrote that many transgender and non-gender students felt alone and forgotten because the battle of the sexes is assumed to be a competition between girls vs. guys. The Editorial board’s purpose is to bring out an awareness in order to decide whether the school should continue the annual battle of the sexes spirit event or not. This work is significant because it allows the voices of the student body to voice their opinions and feelings regarding this new issue that has arisen- the battle of the sexes.
Would you agree?
Ailaina Edgerly • Mar 19, 2015 at 9:33 am
~:All fun and games? “Battle of the Sexes”:~
Editorial board argues about the spirit week between March 10th-13th, “Battle of the Sexes”. The Editorial board claims that ASB had meant to create “a friendly competition between the guys and the girls”. Although between many people had enjoyed the pep rally, there was also many students who saw the Battle of the Sexes to be offensive and hurtful.
Editorial board develops this claim by first investigating the emotions of the hurt or offended student making comments. Such as students making comments like, “There have been 44 presidents and none of them have been feeling.”. Editorial board had challenged themselves in the investigation and gain information from a different school who had made the same decision. They had learned that McClintock High School had made this decision and it earned two student reported for sexual abuse against each other. Lastly, the author had compared the actions to other students, who attend Classical Academy, responses to the actions of the Battle of the Sexes.
Editorial board’s purpose is the let students be aware that all genders are equal in order to keep the community nice and safe. This work is significant because it shows and makes students see the possible avoidance of thinking before acting.
What do you think?
Ian Molloy • Mar 19, 2015 at 9:28 am
Editorial Board argues that this article was harmful/self demeaning towards females, males, and transgender students. They claim that this pep rally is doing a lot more harm than good, and is creating a diverse/unstable environment.
They develop this claim by bringing in another high school and relating the harm they did, to the posters and comments we made, they also interview many students, but they only seem to get anti-pep rally from students, and the pro-pep rally from ASB members themselves. The board interviews many outraged students and defensive ASB members. Lastly the author(s) mention that ASB Members are working hard to make the student body happy, and include mentions on how they may change the rally for the following years.
The Editorial Boards purpose is to inform us that the Battle of the Sexes Pep Rally caused outrage around campus, and that ASB members went a little overboard on the sexist, questionable, and brow-lifting posters. In order to persuade us, they show pictures, quotes from students, and reading excerpts from the event itself. This is significant because it informs on how this affected certain students, we were all engulfed in the events and loud noise,but did not realize how it affected a certain group of our students, and how we should be more aware of how our words and actions affect others.
Do you agree?
Luke • Mar 19, 2015 at 9:24 am
I am neautral on this subject. I think that for some more competitive people, it could drive them to be “fighting” for their sex, but for most people, its just a game. I guess you would have to stop it if some people couldn’t handle it, but I think that some people should just keep their cool in these situations.
Madeline Holway • Mar 27, 2015 at 10:54 pm
I agree that people should keep their cool, but the reality is that a lot of people don’t. Most people, especially the younger students, act very immaturely during Battle of the Sexes. It just does more harm than good
carlie Stipe • Mar 19, 2015 at 9:22 am
The editorial board of Classical Academy High School disputes that the annual pep rally, Battle of The Sexes, to be offensive and hurtful to the student body. They assert “Battle of the Sexes creates rivalry between males and females that can quickly escalate to a harmful degree.” The editorial board interviewed the student body in order to develop this claim. They discuss their beliefs with the Senior Class President Avalon Johnson, The ASB President Tanner Mizel, Teachers and other fellow classmates. In conclusion, the editorial board turned what was suppose to be a fun and friendly competition, into a serious debate about gender equality. The Classical Academy editorial board’s justification is to inform the student body of the dangers of pinning boys against girls in order to make them think the pep rally is more than just fun and games. This work is significant because the editorial board made a cheerful situation into a major argument amongst the student body.
Would you agree?
Caleb s • Mar 19, 2015 at 8:07 am
They also took down the 44 presidents poster befor the event. So why is it even an issue.
Madeline Holway • Mar 27, 2015 at 10:55 pm
Because they made it in the first place. The pep rally brings up a lot of harmful thoughts and feelings. There’s so many things that are harmful about it.
Anzy • Mar 19, 2015 at 3:41 am
Excellently written, great job presenting all sides of the issue fairly. I’m glad you chose to address the perspective of non-binary/transgendered students as well.When I was at CAHS I always felt uncomfortable with this pep rally, and I’m glad to see students are speaking up about the problems with sexism and gender.
Caleb S • Mar 18, 2015 at 9:28 pm
I think battle of the sexes should go on the same as this year, but for the people don’t agree with anything could opt out of it.
Madeline Holway • Mar 27, 2015 at 10:56 pm
People do opt out of it every year, but it’s less “I don’t like pep rallies and I don’t want to go” and more “this school event makes me feel like I don’t belong here and like I can’t participate in school events.” It makes students feel left out
Caleb S • Mar 18, 2015 at 9:25 pm
I think comparing CAHS to McClintock is hard because McClintock is a much bigger school with different ethics. CAHS is able to stop the event if it becomes out of hand since we have a much smaller student body. The people who got offended over the statement about how all the presidents have been male need to realize that is a fact, not an opinion, and in no way is sexist. I would advise the students who are transgender or no gender to sit with their friends or their preferred team. Yes, i agree gender inequality is an issue, but the purpose of spirit week is to have a friendly competition. I have made new friends through the duration of this CAHS spirit week. Battle of the sexes puts two groups head to head to help unite the student body as a whole. In response to the sexist comments after the event all I have to say just as much is said any another day and was only recognized because of the battle of the sexes rally.
Emily • Mar 24, 2015 at 8:09 am
The posters were put up for each side to prove which gender was better. Even though it wasn’t meant quite literally, the poster about the presidents was very offensive. Women haven’t been able to vote for even a hundred years. Battle of the sexes was a…. Well intentioned spirit day, it wasn’t executed that way. I think that if they had given everybody stickers with two different colors and sepersted students that way, combining all grades and genders, the result would be what battle of the sexes tried and failed to do. Uniting students outside of their grades to unite the school. I thin battle of the sexes needs to be re-thought out.
Madeline Holway • Mar 27, 2015 at 10:57 pm
I agree with Emily. ASB wants to unite the school, and Battle of the Sexes isn’t the best way to do that. It’s tearing the school apart
Daryl • Mar 18, 2015 at 8:08 pm
We just need to be more aware of what we say because it might hurt some people
Daryl • Mar 18, 2015 at 8:06 pm
I love this article! I’ve read it like 4 times and I feel like Journalism does a very good job of representing all sides of the argument. Also, I think that if some people find the Battle of the Sexes offensive, we should do something else; maybe have the seniors and freshman vs the sophomores and juniors or something like that. The last thing we want to do is for something that is intended to be fun and uplifting to be offensive and hurtful for other people. Our school is truly unlike any other school, like Ms. Z said, and we are one big family. And hey, families get into fights, but they’re still family. <3
John • Mar 19, 2015 at 10:54 am
I disagree, i think that only one side of the coin was shown. Where there is a heads, there is usually a tails. The only time there isn’t a tail, is when it’s a trick coin. I think this article is a trick coin. Only one side of the argument is shown, whilst making it look like they are showing both sides of the argument.
Madeline Holway • Mar 27, 2015 at 10:59 pm
They showed both sides of the argument. They admit that ASB wants to unite the school and means it as a friendly competition. Their argument just shows how the harmful effects override those facts. This is an opinion piece. It’s not supposed to be neutral.
Madeline Holway • Mar 18, 2015 at 4:12 pm
Great article! We definitely need to let ASB know what we think of Battle of the Sexes. I’ll be at the open forum! I love the idea of competitions amongst the classes.
dana • Mar 18, 2015 at 2:19 pm
i think instead of battle of the sexes i think you guys should do battle of the caimans where you mix boys and girls to two teams like yellow and red or something like that
Ian Peters • Mar 19, 2015 at 10:54 am
Great idea. It sounds like a lot of fun. We could do cohort vs cohort too.
Debbie • Mar 18, 2015 at 12:36 pm
Great article. Wonderfully thought out. I agree, we should be fostering gender equality, not a hostile
atmosphere. Very thoughtful work.