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Yahoo! Contributor NetworkMan in Running Skirt, Women Boxing in Skirts and Kanye West Performing in a Skirt
Skirts are in the news because they're turning up in unexpected places. Kanye West recently performed wearing a skirt and women heading to the Olympics—to box for the first time in 2012—are being asked by AIBA to wear them.
The Amateur International Boxing Association (AIBA) was considering making it mandatory for women to box (for the first time ever) at the Olympics wearing a skirt instead of shorts.
The idea of women boxing in skirts irritated and alarmed many people, leaving them wondering what the AIBA are thinking. This is 2011, after all. What happened to freedom of choice?
On November 4th, 2011, AIBA published an update on their website. Here is what they said:
"No decision made on Boxers' Uniform for Women
AIBA has recently noticed a strong media/press interest on the issue of Boxers' Uniform for Women. In this regard, AIBA would like to clarify its current position on the matter:
- AIBA has not made any final decision on Boxers' Uniform for Women
- AIBA plans to call an AIBA Technical and Rules Commission meeting in January 2012 to discuss the issue and to offer recommendations to the AIBA Executive Committee before making its final decision
- At this point in time, AIBA is seeking a consensus from the worldwide Boxing Family and the wider public for reference purposes."
I am very glad to hear that news. Hopefully, the women who will be wearing the new uniforms will be consulted and have their ideas included in the design of the new, updated look. Female boxers headed to the Olympics should have freedom to choose what to wear.
Skirt Causes Discordant Note for Kanye West
Kanye West recently performed—wearing a skirt. Reviews were mixed with some fans questioning his masculinity. The skirt was long, leather and wrap around, like a sarong or a kilt. "Kanye's thigh-length, black leather skirt is from the Paris designer, Givenchy's, Spring Summer 2012 men's collection."
Nothing changed about his demeanor because of his choice of wardrobe.
It occurred to me to investigate the subject more.
Man in Running Skirt
Fashionable runners have fallen in love with the running skirt. Even men are considering the possibilities of running in skirts. Well, at least one man.
Matt Fitzgerald from Competitor.com, met with the owners of Running Skirts to find out why the skirts are so popular with some female runners. Matt is shown trying on a running skirt (over his pants). video He looks pretty comfortable. I like safari prints too. I find myself wondering what the back looks like.
More Men in Skirts
Men wearing skirts are really not so unusual. Scotsmen have always worn kilts. No one ever questions their manliness. Scottish soldiers marched bravely into battle wearing kilts.
Former UFC fighter, Marcus "the Irish Hand Grenade" Davis, wears a kilt. Website sportkilt.com lists Bart Palaszewski as another UFC fighter who proudly wears a kilt. Bart knocked out his opponent in his debut fight at UFC 137 against Tyson Griffin.
Of course, they weren't wearing skirts (kilts) when they fought.
Men around the world, who live in warmer climates, wear sarongs or wrap-around skirts because they feel comfortable. In their culture, everyone else is wearing them too.
Closer to home, there is something known as a Macabi skirt.
How It Works
From the website: "A Macabi MUG is more than a kilt or a manskirt. It is the first Men's Unbifurcated Garment (MUG) built specifically for adventure travel. Smart, rugged, comfortable and versatile, a Macabi MUG will free your mind, body and spirit. Liberate yourself in an open world, unfettered by outdated societal norms, unrestrained by leg-specific garments."
The skirt converts easily into wading pants with a clip. Even if your garment gets wet, not to worry. The skirt is made from quick-drying, moisture-wicking, and wrinkle-resistant material.
The pockets make them even more perfect. "They have internal cargo pockets, big enough to be useful, yet out of the way, in the Macabi's loose skirting."
I get the picture—lots of "unfettered" freedom for long hikes. Jonathan Lee, former river guide for Holiday Expeditions in Salt Lake City, Utah wears one (photo). But skirts made for athletic endeavors are not for everyone.
Choice
All of the men listed above have freedom of choice to wear what they want. Hopefully, AIBA, the coaches and the women fighters headed to the Olympics will find a way to exercise those same freedoms.
More from this contributor:
MMA Fan Reaction: Women's Sports Foundation Responds to AIBA About Olympic Women Boxing in Skirts
Interview: Shattering stereotypes - CNN's Soledad O'Brien on women boxing in the Olympics
What Do Olympic Boxing and Badminton Have in Common? Skirts
Kenny Florian Awards BJJ Black Belt to Alex Lewis: Insider's Look
Cheryl Ragsdale, BJJ blue belt, trains in MMA with UFC Fighter Kenny Florian and Keith Florian at Florian Martial Arts - follow @thatgirlisfunny.
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