Making amends for unconscious bias, representing the world I want to see
When I went to our local soccer team to register my son’s interest, it dawned on me that unconsciously I had not done the same for my two older girls. This was a pretty shocking realisation. I don't have a history of being drawn to sports, with the most exciting part of school PE, being how inventive the excuses could be to get out of it. However, once I realised my unconscious bias at the sign-up desk, I had no option but to right this wrong and sign myself up (never having kicked a ball in my life). I could represent the thing I want the world to be, a place where people don't discount themselves or each other for potential simply because we're not used to it.
Unsurprisingly perhaps, I have very little soccer potential. But fast forward 5 years, I still play for the Master's team for Beaumaris soccer club. This year I signed up to be part of the volunteer squad supporting the FIFA’s Women’s World Cup and this month you can see me hanging out on the pitch at AAMI park as one of the team of people about 40 holding up the giant FIFA flag during the opening ceremonies for all Melbourne games.
Being so close to the children who get to walk the teams in, or the kids in the crowd, it dawned on me (again!) how crazy easy it is for a young child, let’s say a young girl, to start to see this as a serious potential to play on that field. The pitch at AAMI Park is the same size as the pitch at my local club – that makes it feel very possible. When we can see it we can be it a whole lot easier.
These sportswomen are goddesses of immense power, dedication, and strength. It is inspiring to see and I am so grateful my kids get to stand with 30,000 other people to watch them live. Of course, there is nowhere near enough coverage but there is still enough to build a smallish frenzy in our house.
I do not claim to know all the players names or their groups or even any history or predictions. But I'm on the path and taking my lead from many many who educate me and enlighten me. I'm loving watching everyone's excitement. Unfortunately, I have come across people who are blocked to even step on the path. I have had several people laugh at my enthusiasm, and one even say they refuse to watch it because it's not real soccer. Refusing to change bias, change the world for the better on the basis of, I'm not sure what. Meeting that perspective so transparently is actually a good reminder to me of how that could currently be me with other unconscious biases. I need to be mindful of that all the time if I am going to do better than I did with this one.
Anyway, I could talk about so many different aspects of this fabulous World Cup experience that I'm privileged to be seeing first hand. I haven't even talked about the passion of the volunteers. Or the players courage and compassion, the two critical aspects that happen to underpin my high-performance teaming programs. But for now, I'll just focus on the photos. And, yes, they are all of me, sorry! And if you want to see the incredible athletes or enjoy the buzz of this amazing tournament, tune in and see it for yourself!!!
Let me know if you’re coming to the remaining matches in Melbourne and look out for me (usually top left, next to the corner of the rectangular flag!)
Amy
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