Sport is more than a recreational activity; it is a strong social institution that affects identities, beliefs, and worldviews from infancy to maturity. We grow up steeped in sports culture, whether as participants, supporters, or passive viewers, without frequently analyzing its underlying implications. However, the assumptions and metanarratives contained in sport are important precisely because of their prevalence in our lives. Sport fosters prevailing social norms, concepts of competitiveness and nationalism, as well as gender, race, and class. For example, the exaltation of toughness and endurance in sports might influence our perceptions of success and failure outside of the game. Similarly, how sports media portrays athletes—who is lauded and who is marginalized—reflects greater social power dynamics. Furthermore, athletics has been a source of both tyranny and resistance. Sport is highly political, from the exclusion of Indigenous and coloured athletes to demonstrations led by celebrities such as Colin Kaepernick. The myths we accept about meritocracy in sports, which view success as solely dependent on skill and hard effort, sometimes mask the institutional impediments that influence participation and recognition. By critically interacting with sport rather than taking it for granted, we may gain a deeper understanding of how it reinforces or challenges societal injustices. Sport is not neutral; it has meaning, and examining those meanings helps us to understand it as both a mirror of and a struggle for the ideals we support. A more aware involvement with sports allows us to appreciate its ability to shape not only enjoyment, but also society.

… Our early experiences shape our worldview and reinforce societal institutions, beliefs, and hierarchies. Sport is more than simply a recreational activity; it is a cultural institution that reflects and reinforces society norms, power relations, and identities. Our participation in sports teaches us lessons about competitiveness, teamwork, gender roles, and nationality from a young age, sometimes without contemplating the deeper consequences. Who gets to participate, whose accomplishments are rewarded, and whose values are stressed are all influenced by historical and social factors that sport both reflects and strengthens.

Sports have always been a battleground for social justice issues, particularly those concerning opportunity and access. A crucial point of intersection is the systematic constraints that underprivileged populations confront in accessing sports at all levels. Indigenous, Black, and low-income athletes face financial restrictions, a lack of infrastructure, and systematic prejudice that limit their involvement. One big concern is the expense of participation. Many sports are out of reach for persons from underprivileged backgrounds due to the high costs of equipment, travel, and training. Hockey, for example, is one of the most expensive sports in Canada, discouraging many Indigenous youngsters from playing despite their deep cultural links to the sport. Similarly, while basketball courts and soccer grounds are more readily available in cities, they are sometimes unavailable in rural and distant regions. Gender also influences access to sports. Women, non-binary, and Two-Spirit athletes continue to struggle for equitable opportunities, including financing, media exposure, and professional contracts. Another current controversy centres on the nexus of sports and social justice: the exclusion of trans athletes from competition. One method to overcome these hurdles is to launch grassroots organizations that offer financial assistance and mentorship programs. The emergence of social media has also helped to promote the tales of minority athletes, therefore combating systematic bias.

Feminism is a movement and philosophy that promotes gender equality by confronting systematic oppression, prejudice, and patriarchal systems. It aims to create a society in which people of all genders enjoy equal rights, opportunities, and control over their bodies and lives. Feminism has numerous forms, including intersectional feminism, which acknowledges the impact of race, class, sexuality, and other identities on oppressive experiences. For me, feminism entails equality, justice, and empowerment. It is about removing barriers that limit chances for women, non-binary, and Two-Spirit people, as well as addressing how patriarchy impacts males. Feminism is more than just gender; it is about building an inclusive society in which everyone is recognized, respected, and given the opportunity to succeed. It is a personal and community commitment to addressing inequities, strengthening marginalized voices, and promoting systemic change in all parts of life.

The “We Can Do It!” picture, which is frequently linked with Rosie the Riveter, exemplifies my idea of feminism as a movement of resilience, strength, and communal empowerment. Originally developed during World War II to inspire women to enter labour markets, this picture has since come to represent gender equality and the battle against traditional limits. To me, this billboard reflects the strength of women rejecting established gender stereotypes and establishing their presence in all aspects of life, including the workplace, politics, and activism. It supports feminism’s objective of tearing down barriers and campaigning for equal chances. The resolute look and flexed arm represent resistance to injustice and the struggle for justice.