The independent roller derby (like that depicted in the picture) is becoming huge. It seems like every town in America, big and small has a team. There are several here in the Bay Area. And, it's women only -- paradise for folks like us.
I was raised on black and white TV, and roller derby was a staple of that era. There are some clips on youtube of some vintage roller derby, which really brings back those days. I haven't seen the local team in person yet, although my friends tell me that going to a game (they call it a "bout") is great fun. But, I'm glad to see it doing so well. I think that women's sports has had a lot to do with its popularity. Back in the black and white days, women who participated in any kind of sport were the exception to the rule. I even remember one of my neighbors wouldn't let their daughters watch roller derby because "the women didn't act like ladies." That's all changed now, and for the better.
