Is machismo finally dead? A kiss forced on one of the world’s top footballers has highlighted the problem of sexism in Spain. Some hope this is how change begins.
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Kissgate boss crushed by global tide of anger
Is machismo finally dead? A kiss forced on one of the world's top footballers has highlighted the problem of sexism in Spain. Some hope this is how change begins.
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What's happening?
It was a shocking moment. Spanish scorer Jenni Hermoso was celebrating after winning the Women's World Cup. Then Luis Rubiales, president of the Spanish Football Association (RFEF), puts his hands on both sides of her head and kisses her. She walks away as quickly as she can.
The moment was shown on television. Afterwards, many people complained. Hermoso said she had not wanted the kiss. But Rubiales said he would not step down from his job.
Then 79 players, including the entire team that won the World Cup, said that they would boycottTo withdraw relations from an organisation as a punishment or protest. The word comes from the surname of a Victorian Irish landlord who was subject to a boycott from poor farmers who demanded rent reduction. the national team. The RFEF supported Rubiales, not Hermoso, and said they would sueStart a legal fight against someone or something. the players.
Now FIFAThe Federation Internationale de Football Association is the world's highest governing body of association football. have chosen to suspendMake someone step down from their job or role while you decide if they have done something wrong. him from his job.
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Some say it shows the divide between two Spains: the older Spain, where men had a lot of power, and the new Spain which supports women's rights.
They hope it will be a moment when Spain looks again at machismo: a Spanish word used to describe a culture of over-the-top male pride.
Machismo suggests that men must protect their families - and that women should not work or go against the word of men.
But others think machismo will not go away soon. Some of Spain's politicians want the old Spain to stay. And even though many spoke out against him, Rubiales still did not admit he had done something wrong.
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Is machismo finally dead?
Yes! Women are starting to speak out against sexismA belief that one sex is superior to or more valuable than another sex.. Machismo cannot last for long if people do not respect it.
No! The Spanish FA sided with Rubiales, not Hermoso. This shows that there is still a long way to go before machismo is dead.
Keywords
Boycott - To withdraw relations from an organisation as a punishment or protest. The word comes from the surname of a Victorian Irish landlord who was subject to a boycott from poor farmers who demanded rent reduction.
Sue - Start a legal fight against someone or something.
Fifa - The Federation Internationale de Football Association is the world's highest governing body of association football.
Suspend - Make someone step down from their job or role while you decide if they have done something wrong.
Sexism - A belief that one sex is superior to or more valuable than another sex.
Kissgate boss crushed by global tide of anger
Macho man: Luis Rubiales has been accused of harassing other players he has worked with. Glossary
Boycott - To withdraw relations from an organisation as a punishment or protest. The word comes from the surname of a Victorian Irish landlord who was subject to a boycott from poor farmers who demanded rent reduction.
Sue - Start a legal fight against someone or something.
Fifa - The Federation Internationale de Football Association is the world's highest governing body of association football.
Suspend - Make someone step down from their job or role while you decide if they have done something wrong.
Sexism - A belief that one sex is superior to or more valuable than another sex.