Recently, I overheard a young girl say, “My mom said I could try any sport except cheerleading. She thinks it’s just about cheering for the boys.” As a feminist, I completely understood her perspective. Yet, as someone who once donned a cheerleading uniform, I found myself conflicted. This made me ponder: Would I allow my daughter—or even my son—to become a cheerleader? The answer was unequivocal: Absolutely.
As a feminist and a former cheerleader, I truly grasp the complexities of this debate. There was a time when I felt embarrassed about my cheerleading days. I asked my dad to keep my cheerleading history a secret from my then-boyfriend (now husband), and I tried to erase all traces of it from my college life. Being a cheerleader seemed at odds with my identity; I wasn’t particularly bubbly, had little interest in school spirit, and identified strongly as a feminist. It felt disingenuous to think of myself as merely a girl cheering for male athletes.
In high school, cheerleading didn’t resonate with who I was. However, I recognized that I needed extracurriculars to bolster my college applications, and my best friend was the captain, plus I could still enjoy the social aspect. So I joined, and surprisingly, it turned out to be a valuable experience. Cheerleading was challenging and enjoyable, and it undoubtedly helped me gain acceptance into college. Yet, as I delved deeper into women’s studies, I grappled with the question: Can one be a feminist and a cheerleader?
The answer is a resounding yes. Cheerleading is indeed a sport; it requires physical prowess and fosters the same values found in other athletic activities. Limiting feminism to a specific mold is itself a form of bias. Enjoying traditionally feminine activities doesn’t negate one’s desire for gender equality. These preferences are societal constructs, not intrinsic beliefs.
Not all feminists fit a certain stereotype. I can indulge in a spa day and still advocate for equal pay. I can fight for women’s rights while wearing a stylish outfit—perhaps even a mini skirt and heels if I wish. We often get bogged down in appearances, neglecting the significance of who we truly are beneath the surface. As RuPaul wisely said, “We are born naked, and the rest is just drag.”
We are fortunate to express ourselves through clothing and activities, but these choices should not overshadow our true selves. What truly matters is how we support and uplift one another—how we cheer for those around us.
While I once viewed cheerleading as a source of shame, I have since come to appreciate the importance of encouragement, teamwork, and yes, I even liked the skirt! However, I still wrestle with the notion that cheerleaders are often seen as merely supporting male athletes. Yet, when you think about it, all sports are a bit arbitrary and strange. If aliens were to observe football, they might question why humans chase a ball while engaging in physical confrontations. At least cheerleading involves choreography and fun dance moves!
There’s an unspoken hierarchy in sports; for instance, field hockey players sometimes look down on cheerleaders, deeming it not a “real” sport. I once joked that I would never allow my son to play hockey because he is gentle and introverted—a stereotype in itself, as I’m sure there are many kind-hearted hockey players. At a recent gathering, a well-meaning teacher expressed disappointment that a talented student was opting for cheerleading over other sports, implying it was a step down. When asked if anyone in the group had been a cheerleader, I decided to own my past instead of hiding it. As soon as I shared my experience, I sensed her regret; she hadn’t intended to offend, but it highlighted the biases that persist.
I understand the world we live in: intelligence often doesn’t seem to align with cheerleading, and preferences in color or style can lead to unfair assumptions about one’s values. It’s time we challenge these stereotypes. Be a feminist cheerleader, or a feminist hockey player, or a football player who enjoys baking! It took me years to embrace my cheerleading past—something that should have been a point of pride rather than embarrassment. Being a cheerleader is part of my story, and it’s up to me how I choose to perceive it.
In conclusion, I am grateful for my cheerleading experience; it contributed to who I am today, and I’m genuinely content with where I’ve landed.
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Summary
This article explores the complexities of cheerleading from a feminist perspective, highlighting the importance of self-identity and challenging stereotypes. By embracing diverse expressions of femininity, we can support each other while recognizing the value of all activities, including cheerleading.
Keyphrase: Should We Encourage Our Daughters to Join Cheerleading?
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