Alicia Lawson, a proficient hunter from Maine, is confronting the deeply ingrained sexism within outdoor sports by publicly calling out the one patronising question she is relentlessly asked by men: "Did you get help tracking or dragging your deer?"
In a powerful TikTok video that has since gone viral, Lawson exposes this subtle yet pervasive form of discrimination. With a mix of frustration and defiance, she highlights how the question is never posed to male hunters, automatically undermining her skills, strength, and independence as a woman in a male-dominated field.
More Than Just a Question
Lawson eloquently breaks down why this seemingly innocent inquiry is so damaging. It carries the assumption that a woman is incapable of the physical and logistical demands of hunting—from the precise shot to the arduous task of tracking and retrieving game. This microaggression implies her success must be attributed to a man's assistance, not her own expertise.
Her message resonates with thousands of women across the globe who have experienced similar condescension in their respective hobbies and professions, from mechanics to gaming.
A Growing Community Pushes Back
Lawson is far from alone. She is part of a growing movement of female hunters and outdoorswomen who are proudly claiming their space online and in the wilderness. Through social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, they are:
- Building supportive communities for women to share tips and experiences.
- Showcasing their expertise in field dressing, tracking, and marksmanship.
- Directly challenging outdated stereotypes about who belongs in the great outdoors.
This digital sisterhood is proving that the hunting world is no longer an old boys' club, and they are encouraging a new generation of women to participate confidently.
The Bigger Picture: Sexism in the Outdoors
Lawson's experience is a single symptom of a broader issue within outdoor culture. Women frequently report facing:
- Doubt about their technical knowledge and abilities.
- Condescending "mansplaining" on familiar topics.
- A lack of representation in hunting media and marketing.
- Gear and apparel designed primarily for men.
By vocalising her experience, Lawson is not just complaining; she's advocating for a more inclusive and respectful environment where skill and passion are the only metrics that matter, not gender.
