Letter to the Editor: Stop policing women’s bodies

Letter to the Editor: Stop policing women’s bodies

When are we going to STOP sexualizing our female population?

Imagine this headline: “Athlete is disqualified after race due to violation of the modesty rule.

“The official commented, ‘I could see evidence of circumcision, and decided that outlining his genital area would incite lust and that must be punished.’”

Ridiculous? Yes — because no one has ever, or would ever, say that to a male swimmer. However, this is essentially what was said to the Dimond High athlete this past weekend. Her body, curvier than the others, in the same uniform as the others, was judged, and she was punished for not immediately picking a wedgie. Some official saw the curve of cheek and instantly sexualized the athlete, and declared that all her hard work and dedication to a sport she loves is immaterial and invalid in the face of a half-moon.

When — WHEN are we going to STOP sexualizing our female population?

My child wasn’t much for modesty rules, preferring comfort over clothing from the time she was born until now. Aside from insisting she put SOMETHING on before we went in public, I let her grow in a sort of feral freedom that only enhanced her independence and confidence. It was no shock she chose swimming — where she wore mostly skin, most of the time.

She grew up in locker rooms — swimming year-round, age 8-18 — and was ridiculed for her confidence that allowed her to change freely, not hiding behind a towel, awkwardly attempting to shrink from view. They called her names, shamed her, demanded she cover up, instead of normalizing the thought that this is a shower, and one showers naked. Also, it is ridiculous to hide your skin in a roomful of skin. It is JUST SKIN. If it is more than that to you, perhaps your own motives for being in the changing room should be addressed?

I stood by as she told me to let her handle it, a bristling angry mama bear, as she handled it with grace in the face of fire, saving tears for the privacy of her room where she thought I didn’t see, didn’t know — all the while proud of the strength of character and humanity my child exhibited.

I am glad that the athlete was given what she was due. I am sad that we have to have this conversation AGAIN. I challenge you — YES YOU — to stand up for our girls who are strong and determined and talented and yes, beautiful.

Our bodies are not a distraction. We do not deserve less than you. We are not possessions to be owned, and the fact that we are STILL having this conversation in 2019 is disgusting and exhausting. I will not be silenced, nor will my daughters — OR sons — until you realize that the curve of a cheek, or the glimpse of a collarbone does not give you the right to anything.

So stick that in your wedgie, and pick it.

— Beth Ulricksen, Kenai

More in Opinion

A silver salmon is weighed at Three Bears in Kenai, Alaska. Evelyn McCoy, customer service PIC at Three Bears, looks on. (Photo by Jeff Helminiak/Peninsula Clarion)
Opinion: Will coho salmon be the next to disappear in the Kenai River?

Did we not learn anything from the disappearance of the kings from the Kenai River?

Jonathan Flora is a lifelong commercial fisherman and dockworker from Homer, Alaska.
Point of View: Not fishing for favors — Alaskans need basic health care access

We ask our elected officials to oppose this bill that puts our health and livelihoods in danger.

Alex Koplin. (courtesy photo)
Opinion: Public schools do much more than just teach the three Rs

Isn’t it worth spending the money to provide a quality education for each student that enters our schools?

Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks to reporters at the Alaska State Capitol on Thursday, April 17, 2025. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire file photo)
Letter to the Editor: Law enforcement officers helped ensure smooth, secure energy conference

Their visible commitment to public safety allowed attendees to focus fully on collaboration, learning, and the important conversations shaping our path forward.

Laurie Craig / Juneau Empire file photo
The present-day KTOO public broadcasting building, built in 1959 for the U.S. Army’s Alaska Communications System Signal Corps, is located on filled tidelands near Juneau’s subport. Today vehicles on Egan Drive pass by the concrete structure with satellite dishes on the roof that receive signals from NPR, PBS and other sources.
My Turn: Stand for the community radio, not culture war optics

Alaskans are different and we pride ourselves on that. If my vehicle… Continue reading

U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) delivers his annual speech to the Alaska Legislature on Thursday, March 20, 2025. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire file photo)
Opinion: Sullivan, Trump and the rule of lawlessness

In September 2023, U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan established his own Alaska Federal… Continue reading

UAA Provost Denise Runge photographed outside the Administration and Humanities Building at the University of Alaskas Anchorage. (courtesy photo)
Opinion: UAA’s College of Health — Empowering Alaska’s future, one nurse at a time

At the University of Alaska Anchorage, we understand the health of our… Continue reading

U.S. Rep. Nick Begich III, R-Alaska, address a joint session of the Alaska Legislature on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
Opinion: A noncongressman for Alaska?

It’s right to ask whether Nick Begich is a noncongressman for Alaska.… Continue reading

Boats return to the Homer Harbor at the end of the fishing period for the 30th annual Winter King Salmon Tournament on Saturday, March 23, 2024 in Homer, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)
Opinion: Funding sustainable fisheries

Spring is always a busy season for Alaska’s fishermen and fishing communities.… Continue reading

Gov. Mike Dunleavy holds a press conference on Monday, May 19, 2025, to discuss his decision to veto an education bill. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire file photo)
Opinion: On fiscal policy, Dunleavy is a governor in name only

His fiscal credibility is so close to zero that lawmakers have no reason to take him seriously.

Sen. Jesse Bjorkman, R-Nikiski, speaks in support overriding Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s veto of House Bill 69 at the Alaska Capitol in Juneau, Alaska, on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (Mark Sabbatini/Juneau Empire)
Capitol Corner: Finishing a session that will make a lasting impact

Sen. Jesse Bjorkman reports back from Juneau.