LETTERS-YOUR VIEW: Making unfair comparisions

To the Editor: What is so offensive about Oprah and Rosie O'Donnell having primarily female audiences and therefore being recognized as women's shows? So what if people call Lifetime a "women's channel" (as it actively advertises itself) while ESPN is for men? We cannot presume to be ignorant of some stereotypical, although not unfounded, differences between the interests that men and women exhibit. Nor can we afford to get so wrapped up in a historically inferior position that "women's interests" become taboo. It is a well known fact that inequalities will exist so long as there are recognizable differences. The important thing is that we are no longer at war. Recruiting every woman to attend WNBA games is not progress. Those who like Oprah and dare to admit it should not be expected to become overnight Howard Stern converts in an effort to break the stereotyped mold of femininity. Dismiss labels if such things bother you. If we follow through with our individual goals, the support will follow in due time. Irene Choi College '01 To the Editor: In Ms. Oliva's column she expressed her disgust in several issues. First, she was disgusted about the attitude toward women's athletics. She stated that men will not attend women's sporting events, in particular the WNBA, because it's women playing. As a male sports nut, who is a "jock of all trades," I must state one simple fact about womens sports: They are boring! I can't watch women's basketball. It's slow and their skill levels are not even close to the mens'. I'm sorry if Ms. Oliva feels it is on the same level. If that were the case, then the WNBA's TV ratings would be through the roof. The only women's sports that I find myself being able to watch are women's college lacrosse and women's tennis. At least they both offer some excitement. As far as Ms. Oliva not being able to understand why the Oprah show and the Rosie show are stereotyped as women's show's: Well, maybe she should watch the shows. Oprah's show deals with women's issues everyday. If Oprah ever does a show on NASCAR or tools, I would be the first to watch, but that won't happen. It is geared toward the female audience. The Rosie show is geared toward the housewife. I think before Ms. Oliva makes a statement about the Oprah and Rosie shows being in the same category as Letterman, Leno and Conan O 'Brien, she should actually turn on the TV and watch these shows. As long as we live we will have gender wars. Women have problems with men and men have problems with women. As much as feminists don't want to hear this, we are different. We will always be different. There are things women can do better then men and there are things men can do better then women. There is a reason football and mens basketball have higher ratings then field hockey and the WNBA. They are more exciting and just better sports. A fact you can't deny. Tim Johnson Regional Director for the Library Marketing Network