I started getting interested in roller derby when it was thrust into the mainstream a few years ago with the movie "Whip It." While I had heard of roller derby before, I always assumed derby was something for the strongest people in the world. However, the movie "Whip It" showed Ellen Page being a timid, not knowing her place in the world individual who was basically transformed by the sport. And I was looking for something like that.
I started playing roller derby to be empowered. Be empowered in my femininity, and also to be empowered as an individual. I had never considered myself strong. I have never considered myself someone that was sporty. I have never considered myself to be someone that could hit people and be strategic about moves, all while being on 8 wheels.
I am. I will be the first to admit that I suck at roller derby. I have been playing now for a bit over a year, and although I love it and will make every practice I can, I know I am not a natural athlete, and I know that I will never be a good player. But I appreciate my team for putting up with me, and I appreciate everyone who helps me at least not look like a fool out on the track.
When I joined derby, I had these grand thoughts of how it was going to be a lot of fun and change my life forever. And... I was right. Derby has done more than make my thigh muscles strong. Derby has really made me feel good about myself. Every day I put on my skates and pads, I am proud of how I have stepped outside of my comfort zone and done something that I couldn't ever think I could.
I do think however, there are some common misconceptions about derby. Especially women's derby. One of those things is that it is not a feminist thing, and instead, is a way to flaunt sexuality. Here's the thing. I am NOT speaking for every derby girl out there. I am only speaking for me. For me, roller derby is not sexy, it's not a way to show off your body, it's not anything like that. Roller derby is hard work, sweat, and power. It has nothing to do with flaunting sexuality. Yes, sometimes the outfits (or "bout-fits") we wear can be revealing. Yes, some people choose to show a lot more skin playing derby than they do in their real lives. But it is sort of a necessity. You sweat. A lot. You move. A lot. You need tighter fitting clothes because it makes it a sport. You need clothing that you can move in, and you need light-weight, breathable clothing because otherwise you may sweat to death.
In addition, I think it's really empowering how judgment free derby can be. The community at large is just there for a good time. It doesn't matter what size you are and it doesn't matter how old you are, or how much cellulite you have on your thighs. Derby is about embracing yourself and your differences. Derby is about a community of people who may not fit into the mainstream, or maybe they do fit into the mainstream, but we all belong in the derby community, regardless of where we fit in our social group. It's where you can wear basically anything you want without judgment, because nobody truly cares. You are who you are, and you do what you do. It's a great feeling to finally belong to a place where you can be yourself without fearing judgment or harsh words.
There may be some individuals out there who watch derby for the "hot girls in tiny outfits" sensation. There may be some players who play into that concept. But seriously, they don't really know or understand derby then. Because that is not why we dress the way we do, and that is not what derby is about. If you want to really know what derby is all about, come to a bout. Come watch, and you'll see just how unfair that statement really is.
There is another misconception that derby is showing the wrong idea, like violence against women. Yes, we do hit into one another in derby, hip check each other, and occasionally do more than that (although it probably will be a penalty then!). Yes, it is a violent sport. But no more violent than wrestling or football or rugby, but I don't hear the same complaints about those sports. I honestly think the reason some people are upset about derby is because the people on the track are female. I don't hear any complaints about that in men's derby. Because in society, men are the ones that are supposed to be "violent." Men are the ones that are supposed to be "tough." But because women are violent and tough on the track, it goes against those social roles and causes people to be upset about it. That's not right. That is a complete double standard, and buys into the social gender roles, which perpetuates the degradation of women. Why can't women be strong and powerful too?
Feminism, to me, is the concept that women are full individuals and humans. Feminism means not looking at women as objects, and valuing women as actual people, capable of doing anything anyone else can. I consider myself a "humanist," based on what my beliefs on sex and gender are, but feminism is still the buzz word that gets people's attention. I think roller derby is the epitome of feminism and humanism. It equalizes people, allows women to fully show their capabilities, and that is powerful. Maybe the way women's derby is portrayed or publicized needs to be changed, maybe it's not that apparent in just viewing the sport. Maybe we need to think about not sensationalizing the sport so much. But I honestly feel the sensationalization is solely in the media content, which again, is a problem, but it's not the actual point of derby. Playing it, I am the most alive that I have ever been. I feel free to be myself in every aspect of who I am. I feel strong, I feel empowered, and I feel like there are no constraints to who I am. I feel like I can do anything I want to do, and I am my own hero. I feel like a fully functioning human being, and to me, that is what feminism is about. I leave derby practice ready to take over the world, with the confidence to do anything I want and to be anything I want to be. If that is not a feminist concept, then please tell me what is.
Roller derby has changed my life. It has made me more confident, stronger, more comfortable with myself. I have done things I never believed I could. I have met some of the most amazing people I have ever known, and I feel like I belong. I have found my niche in life. I am not sure about many things in life, but I am sure of one thing: that I will forever be involved in derby for as long as I live. I want to be the 95 year old woman, still dragging my lawn chair to a derby bout. Because once I got into the community, I never want to leave. And if you don't believe me about how roller derby is a feminist sport, let's talk. Let's go skate around, and see how you feel after our rolling conversation.
Another great thing about derby is that there are a lot of cat people in the community. So here's a picture of my other great love in life, my cat:
I so badly want to come out there and see you in a derby!! I am so, so happy for you that you found something that makes you happy. Rock on down with your bad self!!
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