I've got to say, the 'Hit Like a Girl' contest has become rather tiresome around here. Last year, we had a lot of one-post wonders promoting their videos. This year, we haven't had quite the same volume but that may change. I find it a little frustrating because most of the people entering the contest that promote their videos here have a lot to offer in terms of their playing.
Larry, I'm going to disagree here. A segregated competition is not appropriate for music because music is not a measure of athletic prowess. Although many female tennis players can compete well with the male tennis players, at the top level men have an athletic advantage. The same is true of sprinting, Rugby and in some instances, Cricket (mainly in fast bowling). There has been a debate over here though in Cricket whether or not a female cricket player by the name of Sarah Taylor should play for a high-level men's team - she demonstrated that she was more than capable and last year and did so, although she wasn't available to turn out for the next step up because of international duty. I'm absolutely in favour f somebody being able to play wherever they like, provided they have the skill and merit to do so.
I'm all for breaking down those segregated sports when it's appropriate to do so. I wouldn't want to see mixed Rugby - that could be absolutely bloodthirsty - but mixed snooker, darts, cricket (with the fast bowling caveat), sure. Why not?
You also have to remember that in the Classical world, orchestras has large numbers of female players. Quite simply, I see no reason to believe that any man is inherently any better than a girl at any instrument. So segregating any competitions is - in my view - a waste of time.
If the people entering the contest are happy then I suppose it doesn't matter what I think but my view on this is strong.