Harassment

It’s always distressing to learn of women being harassed, no less so in the case of women athletes (“Female Volleyball Stars Play in Fear,” Nov. 7). Before now I have wondered why, with professional volleyball’s advent into greater legitimacy, increased coverage and ever-larger numbers of fans, the women players continue to wear swimwear in tournaments. After all, this is a professional sport, not an advertisement for beach gear.

In a better-functioning society, women as well as men should have the freedom to wear anything that does not detract from their performance. Unfortunately in present times there are just too many kooks at large. The objectification of women’s bodies--any women’s bodies--can translate into a threat against the personal safety of all women.

ELIZABETH FERRY

San Marino