Another article on the reaction to runDisney's new Tinker Bell Half

[timmac]

Personally I don't think that the point of having a women's race has anything to do with an perceived underepresentation of women in these races. Instead, it's just the opposite. (1) Women are the majority of half marathon participants;

This is true, but if someone pointed out that men were the majority of full marathon participants, would that mean Disney should make a male-centric full marathon? (To be crystal clear, I don't believe in this, but I am just pointing out the double standard)

(2) women are ASKING for women's focused races (as evidenced by how many of these races are reaching capacity)

This is a logical flaw, formally known as affirming the consequent. I'd agree that if women asked for these races, indeed they'd fill up. But the converse isn't true... that they're filling up doesn't automatically imply that women are asking for them. There's many reasons why a race could fill up, the most striking being that there's simply too much demand and not enough supply to meet it. The initial statement that these races are reaching capacity implies this alternate premise.

Disney being a for profit corporation see adds 1 and 2 together and comes up with the new Tink race which is marketed to women. Essentially giving women what they want.

I definitely agree they feel they're making a good business decision. And I suspect the race will get plenty of participants. (though not necessarily because it's "what women want")

 

[timmac]

I was always pretty annoyed by the whole concept with the Princess as well but could (barely) justify it to myself as a one-off. Two, however, is a pattern and add to that how long we were strung along just to be told at the end that we weren't welcomed, at least not as equals.

On the East cost, there's also a larger selection of races to begin with; and with the close timing of the January weekend and the princess means (for most) that doing both would be a non-option anyway.

Regarding being "welcomed", I actually read one blog this morning that suggested (paraphrasing here) "Men are still welcome, of course, but can't win any awards". Not being eligible for awards, an official time, getting a female shirt, etc, doesn't strike me as being welcome at all.

 

[timmac]

And while this may be their choice and goal (as it also seems to be the trend for theme park marketing as well), it does not mean that we need to like it, agree with its implementation or sit idly by being disenfranchised.

Be the change you wish to see. The squeaky wheel gets the grease. Nothing changes if nobody speaks.

Very well stated, Todd. Anyone know if there's a decent address to write to (beyond just e-mail)? I'm interested in writing a real letter to them.

 

[FireDancer]

Regarding being "welcomed", I actually read one blog this morning that suggested (paraphrasing here) "Men are still welcome, of course, but can't win any awards". Not being eligible for awards, an official time, getting a female shirt, etc, doesn't strike me as being welcome at all.

I would replace the word welcomed with tolerated.

Very well stated, Todd. Anyone know if there's a decent address to write to (beyond just e-mail)? I'm interested in writing a real letter to them.

Hopefully they read here as has been said in the past.

 

[timmac]

I would replace the word welcomed with tolerated.

That's exactly what I was implying.

Any claims that men are "welcome" are blatantly untrue.

 

[FireDancer]

That's exactly what I was implying.

Any claims that men are "welcome" are blatantly untrue.

I think Todd's experience at the princess puts paid to that concept. Now, I realize it wasn't everyone but how many people here can say they heard anywhere close to the equivalent at any other race?

 

[DisneyParrothead]

My issue was as much with the theme as the gender specific race. Tinkerbell isn't a role model in the same way the Disney princesses are. In the original Peter Pan movie, Tink doesn't even talk. (Yes, I know the same can be said for Dopey).

But, I mean, going back to the original Barrie book, Tink is a spoiled brat. Is that how Disney sees us? LOL.

Thank you! That's my biggest beef with Tinkerbell. I know since the invention of the Fairy franchise they're trying to promote her, but seriously, the movie is what counts. She's a jealous brat. It took me up until this year to warm up to a Princess-themed race because I'm not into the whole "I'm a female so I should be sugar and spice and everything nice." Thanks marketers I'm much more into the pirates/villains/Nightmare Before Christmas stuff.

 

[Duanerice]

I guess one of my real issues is this big hype. What a let down. Why hype it like this when it effects only half the runners.

I would probably never go because I live in Florida and don't need to travel out there for another half marathon in January. But, if I was on the West Coast I'd be upset that it was a woman's only event. At least at WDW we always had enough other races where we could all participate so the Princess didn't matter. Before the Wine and Dine we had TOT and RFTT.

So I guess I am happy for the women that live on the West Coast as Disneyland does need more races.

enjoy,
Duane

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

I am still with those that feel Disney did this to give the West Coast a more equal share of the races. WDW - Princess, now DL - Tinker Bell.

This is how I look at it too. A female focused race on both coasts.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

This is how I look at it too. A female focused race on both coasts.

Yeah, but many of us would prefer not to have any single-gender races at all.

 

[jeanigor]

Yeah, but many of us would prefer not to have any single-gender races at all.

To me it goes against the ideals of the nation as a melting pot.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

I mean, I GET it that women used to be under represented in racing. But you know what? Take a look at the pictures of the NYC marathon, or any of our races here. Tell me how many non-white faces you see. (Here's a hint: not a lot). So while we should be promoting racing for people of all colors, I don't see anyone selling something called the Black Man's Marathon.

 

[stampingoddess]

Regarding being "welcomed", I actually read one blog this morning that suggested (paraphrasing here) "Men are still welcome, of course, but can't win any awards". Not being eligible for awards, an official time, getting a female shirt, etc, doesn't strike me as being welcome at all.

Then let me ask this question....

I am competitive as a racewalker, and in races that have had dedicated walk divisions with awards for walkers, I have often won AG awards. In the early years, the January Disney races had a walk division with awards, but they have since discontinued that division.

So now I am still welcome/tolerated/whatever to sign up and do the January race but I am no longer eligible for walk awards because they no longer offer them.

Thus my question, this my situation significantly different from what some of the men are complaining about with the female races- they are no longer eligible for awards because they are not offering awards to men. And in follow up, would you suggest that all the walkers who want to do Disney races should be up in arms because we are no longer eligible for awards?

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

Then let me ask this question....

I am competitive as a racewalker, and in races that have had dedicated walk divisions with awards for walkers, I have often won AG awards. In the early years, the January Disney races had a walk division with awards, but they have since discontinued that division.

So now I am still welcome/tolerated/whatever to sign up and do the January race but I am no longer eligible for walk awards because they no longer offer them.

Thus my question, this my situation significantly different from what some of the men are complaining about with the female races- they are no longer eligible for awards because they are not offering awards to men. And in follow up, would you suggest that all the walkers who want to do Disney races should be up in arms because we are no longer eligible for awards?

I think it's hard to give awards to walkers these days because so many people are on Galloway plans. How do you define walker? Is it someone who walks the whole way, or most of the way, or what?

 

[stampingoddess]

I think it's hard to give awards to walkers these days because so many people are on Galloway plans. How do you define walker? Is it someone who walks the whole way, or most of the way, or what?

In the races I do walking is defined as walking 100% of the time. If you run even one step you are disqualifed. Many of these races have course monitors to walk for "cheaters" Granted there are still not many full or half marathons that do have walk divisions, but there are a few. The two I've done are Columbus and the Cincinnati Half.

 

[FireDancer]

Then let me ask this question....

I am competitive as a racewalker, and in races that have had dedicated walk divisions with awards for walkers, I have often won AG awards. In the early years, the January Disney races had a walk division with awards, but they have since discontinued that division.

So now I am still welcome/tolerated/whatever to sign up and do the January race but I am no longer eligible for walk awards because they no longer offer them.

Thus my question, this my situation significantly different from what some of the men are complaining about with the female races- they are no longer eligible for awards because they are not offering awards to men. And in follow up, would you suggest that all the walkers who want to do Disney races should be up in arms because we are no longer eligible for awards?

I don't see the coloration.

If they awarded awards only for one classification of walkers you'd be right to be upset. Are there any races that have a male walking division but no female walking division?

While it would be nice to give out awards for speed walking I don't think giving no awards to anyone in a class is the same as giving awards to some people in a class based on any demographic.

 

[jeanigor]

In the races I do walking is defined as walking 100% of the time. If you run even one step you are disqualifed. Many of these races have course monitors to walk for "cheaters" Granted there are still not many full or half marathons that do have walk divisions, but there are a few. The two I've done are Columbus and the Cincinnati Half.

Perhaps they discontinued the walker division based upon policing the course. Unfortunately not everyone is honest.

And I do not recall ever reading that any runDisney event is for runners, but "of course walkers are welcome, too" as it does for the Princess says for men.

 

[stampingoddess]

I don't see the coloration.

If they awarded awards only for one classification of walkers you'd be right to be upset. While it would be nice to give out awards for speed walking I don't think giving no awards to anyone in a class is the same as giving awards to some people in a class based on any demographic.

Why is my example different? Is it simply because my classification: walkers, which is gender neutral, is different from your classification; men, which is gender specific?

In my mind, the corrolation is similar: Disney is offering awards to one classification of participants: runs vs. walkers or female vs. male.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

Why is my example different? Is it simply because my classification: walkers, which is gender neutral, is different from your classification; men, which is gender specific?

In my mind, the corrolation is similar: Disney is offering awards to one classification of participants: runs vs. walkers or female vs. male.

Here's the difference. You are capable of running. Frank is not capable of becoming a woman.

 

[Goofed98]

Why is my example different? Is it simply because my classification: walkers, which is gender neutral, is different from your classification; men, which is gender specific?

In my mind, the corrolation is similar: Disney is offering awards to one classification of participants: runs vs. walkers or female vs. male.

Do you choose which category you sign up for when walking? Do you have the choice, since this race doesn't have a walking category, to compete in a running category?

Men don't have a choice to train in a different manner and compete in this race.

Also, as was previously mentioned, did the Walking category have men's and women's awards, or just overall best walker?

Again, I really don't give a crap about it being Tink-themed. You don't want me in the race? Fine, don't let me sign up. I'd much rather that than the current situation with taking my money but not letting me compete.