On Friday, we all saw the below video of New Mexico professional soccer player Elizabeth Lambert, who astonishingly displayed unsportsmanlike conduct in a game against Brigham Young University. (She’s since been suspended indefinitely from the league).
The cultural fascination with violence displayed by women in sports is nothing new. The 2008 WNBA fights gave the league more attention than they’ve ever gotten. And we all know how upset everyone got when Serena Williams gave a tennis ref a piece of her mind.
But what I find particularly interesting with the case of Elizabeth Lambert this is the varied Facebook interest that this act of violence has spurred.
Three notable groups were formed in the past few days.
First, there’s one titled “BAN Elizabeth Lambert From Soccer” sports the description “Can you believe it! How sad,” with a link to the YouTube video - it has 1,435 fans. A wide variety of advocates are posting their opinions about Lambert and engaging in an interesting dialogue.
BAN Elizabeth Lambert From Soccer Facebook Fan Page
On the other hand, we have another Page on the rise, called GO ELIZABETH LAMBERT, with 2,937 fans. Interesting how this one is more popular, huh? Not surprisingly, the “Just Fans” tab sports comments such as “She’s my American Hero” and “Now here is a chick who likes a good donkey punch every once in awhile.“
Go Elizabeth Lambert! Facebook Page
The third notable Page is one called “Free Elizabeth Lambert,” with 1,131 Fans. Comments include “Intimidation and playing over the line are part of the game” and “I’m not sure why she apologized.”
Free Elizabeth Lambert! Facebook Page
The difference of opinion with these three groups is amazing. There’s no obvious commercial interests involved, so that means they’re all general interest pages, meaning this is a cultural phenomenon spurred by the media. Seems people are taking it upon themselves to identify with this issue in a variety of ways.
Which group would you join, and why?
Speak up! Leave a Comment: