The Case of Castor

Simon Hoying

Blog 2

Sex and Gender: The case of Castor

We all have different ways to define people. Labels given because that person has a certain gift or talent that they can do better than anyone else. Many times the labels that we are given should be embraced and loved. It's what defines us from everyone else, it's what makes us who we are, and not just some homogenous blob. Our differences help us shine and stand out. So weather it's the ability to be able to lead, or to be able to throw a small white ball over 90 miles per hour, it's what defines everyone of us from each other. Of all the things that define us though, sex and gender may be the most talked about and controversial of all. These questions are raised in the case of Castor Semenya and weather or not she should be allowed to run girls track. First off is the question of gender. If Castor defines herself as feminine, then that is her choice. The question of gender ultimately is for the person to decide, and no one should force a person to think or act a certain way. But it's when it comes to the question sex, that is where I draw the line. From a sex standpoint Castor is both male and female. After some digging I found that castor was born with both male and female organs along with 3 times more the amount of testosterone than a regular woman. If a man is found with excess testosterone in a male sport, they suspend him. And if a woman has excess testosterone it gives her an unfair advantage in athletics competition. Castor can say she is a female, but physically she can run faster and jump higher than any other woman. If Lebron James defined himself as feminine, do you think they would let him in the WNBA, of course not. The reason she can run faster is because she has the added strength of male hormones. She should not be allowed to run. If you ban a women for taking testosterone, you need to ban her too. When it comes down to it, athletically she imbalances the field of fair play.