Tribune Review on Belmont "Girl Power"

This is the second time in two months I've chided the Trib for using childish "girl" phrases to describe the actions of adult women. While it may be cute to use "girl power" or "girl's night out" on a flyer or blog, it is decidedly demeaning and ridiculous for a newspaper to do so.

The most recent offense stems from John Grupp's coverage of the Belmont Stakes, including his informal poll results that more women than ever attended the event. Apparently, the high levels of estrogen paved the way for the victory of filly Rags to Riches. Gloria wrote a lovely post about her victory. Grupp's coverage isn't so lovely at all.

He quotes a woman who noticed more women present because she was paying attention to fashion. A trio of women from Philadelphia warrant a mention because they were betting on a hometown horse.

You know who doesn't warrant a mention? Women who own horses. Women who groom horses. Women who run stables. Women jockeys. Women who have anything to do with horses or horse racing beyond placing cute bets and wearing fancy hats.

Said Ryan Decker of Garden City, N.J., "We're really rooting for the filly. If
she wins, it's girl power after this race."

I couldn't have said it better myself, Ryan.