Ep 3. Not One of the Boys

Not One of the Boys is the third episode of the third season of the popular investigative documentary series Frontline. This episode is a powerful exploration of the experiences of women, particularly in the challenging and often male-dominated world of sports.

The episode begins with a focus on the intense and often extreme hazing rituals that female athletes are subjected to in order to be accepted into male-dominated sports teams. Viewers see a number of women recounting the horrifying and humiliating experiences they endured in order to become part of their teams, from being forced to strip naked and run through the streets to having to drink excessive amounts of alcohol. The episode delves into the psychological and emotional impact of such rituals, as well as the fact that many female athletes feel forced to endure them if they want to have any chance of making it on a team.

The documentary then turns to the broader issue of gender inequality in sports, highlighting the ways in which women are often unfairly treated by coaches, schools, and even the media. Viewers see a number of examples of this, including female athletes being denied access to top-level facilities and resources, and female coaches being overlooked for job opportunities that they are eminently qualified for. The episode also touches on the many subtle and often unconscious ways in which female athletes are marginalized and undervalued, such as through the use of gendered language and the disproportionate coverage given to male sports compared to female ones.

Throughout the episode, viewers hear from a range of experts and commentators who offer new perspectives and insights on the challenges facing women in sports. These include female athletes who have spoken out about the inequalities they have faced, as well as sports psychologists and sociologists who have conducted extensive research into the issue. The episode also features interviews with male coaches and administrators, many of whom acknowledge the challenges that women face but admit that they themselves have often contributed to the problem without even realizing it.

Overall, Not One of the Boys is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged episode of Frontline that shines a light on a vital and timely issue. Through its nuanced exploration of the experiences of women in sports, the episode exposes the many ways in which gender inequality still persists in our society, even in areas where we might not expect it. It is a must-see for anyone who cares about gender equality, sports, or social justice more broadly.