Firstly, I want to say that I know where the lots of these items are from, and I am not hating on fashion or someone’s desire to express themselves through fashion. But really?  This is roller derby?  As a long time athlete, and a current roller derby coach and player I ask the question, is this how you want yourself and other people to relate to roller derby and female athletes?  That we have to be cute, pretty, and feminine by mainstream standards?  When women play sports their main concern should not be “do I look pretty or fashionable.”  It should not be about furthering capitalism and all the other fucked up interconnected systems that are supported by this type of sports advertising.  This would not be a problem if we lived in a world where female athletes and the sports that they participate in were not patronized.  I also want to say, that just because these things were created by females, and possibly by women who participate in derby, that they are transgressive or that they help to shift away from sexist and capitalistic ideals of females participating in sports.  I understand that many folks may find this inspiring and relate to this, but I would ask that you think critically about what this promotes.

(via thewhip)