“All is fair in love and war” is often said in the heat of battle to justify one’s behaviour for their own gain, and the possible detriment of others. Everything, and everyone, is fair game.
In sport we talk about playing hard, but the reasoning 'playing fair' is behind the name of this blog Fair Game. It’s an opportunity to start a critical dialogue about sport. It allows us to think about, interact with and engage with sport in a whole new way.
For me, “fair game” means anything is up for discussion. In the six months this blog has been going, we’ve covered everything from media coverage of women, to sexual identity, to playing rugby league at a maximum security prison. We try to offer a rich tapestry of thoughts, ideas and experiences that will help you grow your mindset when it comes to sport. Sport is not just a bat or ball, or players or goals.
When something is “fair game” it means that it is open to discussion and critical analysis. But for me, “fair game” also means we give something, or someone, a fair and balanced chance.
As a Fair Game blogger, not only am I opening up ideas, themes and issues associated with sport, I’m also opening up myself too. When I critically analyse something I try to be as fair as possible. I never set about to personally drag someone down and I try to offer proactive advice – advice that can be used for good.
The issue with being a blogger, and a broadcaster on Radio New Zealand, is that I am also “fair game”. And like many sports commentators before me, I have faced a raft of personal attacks that don’t constitute as proactive advice. I really enjoy engaging in conversation about sport, but instead of attacking me as a person, why not add to the analysis? Offer another unique view point. We all have them. I want to hear yours.
A few weeks ago I was shocked to read about the abuse New Zealand Herald sports writer Dana Johannsen was facing because of her coverage of the Sochi Olympics. She was hired, like I am, to contribute opinion pieces, and in one she wrote that she thought the winter Olympians were on a taxpayer-paid ski holiday.
That did not go down well. Some engaged in a critical conversation about the funding allocation for our winter Olympians and the cost on the taxpayer per (gold) medal... but others refused to engage constructively, and instead threw a torrent of bile and sexism her way. A Facebook hate page was set up, and attracted more than 3000 followers. People suggested she should have a ski-pole put through her head; another suggested she would be better silenced with a male sex organ in her mouth. How is this adding to the debate?
"Hello my name is Zoe Ferguson. I’m in my late 20s. I love sport."
Johannsen wrote a rather frank column about her experiences dealing with these people, who personally attacked her for raising an important issue associated with sport. I enjoy Johannsen’s columns. They are thought-provoking. They get you to engage with sports results on a more critical level and that is what good sports columns should do.
On my own experiences of being personally attacked, you are welcome to your opinion; that is your right. I want to engage with you. I want to challenge the way you think about sport. I want you to say “I don’t agree with this because...” and add to the conversation in a positive way. I’m here if you want to engage with me thoughtfully and critically, but there is no need to call me silly names or apply labels to me.
I’m going to lay it all down right now and if you want to pick at it you can go right ahead...
Hello my name is Zoe Ferguson. I’m in my late 20s. I love sport.
I played cricket in a boys’ team until I went to high school; they would purposely bowl harder and faster at me. I moved into a women’s team once I got to college. I bowl like Chris Harris. My best figures are 3/3 off 3, including a maiden I play indoor football and really enjoy the camaraderie. I’m a staunch Hurricanes supporter but it doesn’t bother me if they lose. I’ve recently started boxing training.
I’ve travelled far and wide including through Europe, Asia, the Subcontinent, the Pacific and parts of Africa.
I’m an open feminist. Feminism is about equality of all people – it’s not about women being better than or hating men. I love to bake and shop for shoes. I’m married and had a cricket-themed wedding. I love to laugh, tell jokes and smile. I once won a stand-up comedy competition in Christchurch. I enjoy musical theatre. I’m a thesis away from completing my Master’s. One day I’d really like to do a PhD. I enjoy writing and I really do love being a contributor for both The Wireless and Radio New Zealand.
Now that you know a bit about me, why don’t you engage with me? Add to the critical conversation about sport. I want to hear your ideas. What do you want to talk about? I don’t want to be the conversation, I want to start it... why don’t you add to it?
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