muddy river rollers - moncton roller derby

Our League has a really great private page where we discuss all sorts of details that pertain to running events, practices, fundraisers, parties, and our social lives.  But this past week, a thread caught the attention of almost every one of our members and it has been running like wildfire ever since.  It has even spilled off the page into real conversation and a lot, and I mean A LOT of jaw dropping.

Recently, a user from our muddyriverrollers.com webpage sent us an anonymous message that shocked our webmistress Brandy Swifter so much that she posted it on our private discussion page, and it read (unedited), in reference to women's roller derby:

"I am disgusted that this is allowed in our society.

I thought canadians were against violence against women and expolitation of women for mens entertainment."  

Really?  I mean, really?  It's rare that I am shocked for words, but when the comments started flying and Brandy Swifter suggested that I blog about it, Eve McQueen stated "If she's not interested - I would totally write about it. When I first heard of derby, as a feminist, I wasn't all that down with what I thought the idea of it was, a year later I've obviously been converted :)".  At that point I agreed that I would not only blog about it, but I would blog the hell out of it.  There are probably more than just black and white opinions on this statement and I am curious what they are.  My own is simple: women's flat track roller derby is empowering to women, and there is no oppressor.  It seems that most of the women I play with agree.

Ms Hate's response to the comment was "Funny, because to me this was a natural thing to do as a feminist. Sexuality on our own terms, and tough girl attitudes."  Some humour popped in with Dr Johnny Capote (a well known derby league advisor, www.canuckderbytv.com) when he asked that if that comment were indeed true "does that make me a pimp?".  Floor Play was laughing when she said "aaahh, how I could rant about that comment.  This person is obviously unaware of the term 'Derby Love'"  On a more serious note, Eternal Glamnation retorted "‎'Allowed'...what a great word. We don't need permission and we certainly don't need censorship."  Smasherella echos that in saying "I feel more empowered as a woman, more confident as a whole because of derby. Anyone who gives it a chance quickly realizes it's not all about skating and hitting".

Now, derby has really evolved from what it was in the 1970's  Many members of our community who have never seen a recent game ask us, "Is that like with the clothes-lining and women beating each other up?"  No, it's not.  It's a team sport that requires strategy, endurance, strength, speed, a sense of humour and a tough skin.  The goal is for 2 scoring players (called Jammers) to get through a pack of 8 (4 friendly and 4 opponents, called Blockers).  Physical contact is necessary for this to happen.  Players will be pushed and shoved and often knocked down so that the Jammers can score points.  It is not for the entertainment of our fans, male or female.  We love our fans with an obsessive passion, but honestly we would, and do, play derby even if they aren't there.

Violence is defined as the use of physical force to apply a state to others contrary to their wishes.  Stepping onto a derby track gives all players permission to use whatever force necessary, within the strict guidelines of the 31 pages of WFTDA rules, to block the opposing team and to score points.  That's not called violence, that's called Derby.  I'm proud to be a Canadian who is against violence against women.  In fact, I think you should visit this website to get a better perspective on what true violence against women is: www.cdnwomen.org/EN/section05/3_5_1_1-violence_facts.html

I really believe that everyone has the right to their opinion.  I'm just disappointed when ignorance is what fuels a comment.  Had they not posted anonymously, the Muddy River Rollers would have gifted two free tickets for the user to come see what modern day derby is all about!