Recently, I overheard a girl remark, “My mom said I could participate in any sport except cheerleading because it’s just about cheering for the boys.” As a feminist, I understood her perspective, but as someone who once donned a cheerleader’s uniform, I found myself conflicted. This led me to reflect on whether I would permit my daughter (or my son) to join a cheerleading team, and my answer was unequivocally: Yes.
As both a feminist and a former cheerleader, I grasp the ongoing debate surrounding this topic. During my own high school years, I often felt embarrassed by my cheerleading past. I even asked my father not to reveal it to my then-boyfriend (now husband), and I tried to distance myself from any cheerleading memorabilia. I believed cheerleading didn’t align with my identity; I didn’t fit the stereotype of a bubbly cheerleader, nor did I feel particularly connected to school spirit.
Despite my reservations, I chose to join the squad. I knew I needed extracurricular activities for college applications, my best friend was the captain, and honestly, it allowed me to continue enjoying my social life. Looking back, cheerleading not only provided me with fun and camaraderie but also played a crucial role in my college acceptance.
However, as I immersed myself in gender studies during college, I grappled with feelings of shame regarding my cheerleader status. This led me to question whether one could embody both feminism and cheerleading. The answer? Absolutely. Cheerleading is indeed a sport—it’s physically demanding and teaches teamwork, similar to other athletic pursuits. Limiting feminism to a narrow set of behaviors or appearances is a form of bias. Enjoying traditionally feminine activities, like getting manicures, doesn’t negate one’s commitment to gender equality.
Feminism doesn’t have a singular image or lifestyle; it encompasses diverse identities and expressions. I can appreciate a day at the salon while advocating for equal pay, or champion women’s rights in a dress—or even a mini skirt with stylish heels if I choose. We often fixate on how people should present themselves, losing sight of the essence of who they are. As RuPaul wisely stated, “We are born naked and the rest is just drag.”
The freedom to choose our attire and activities is a form of self-expression, but it’s crucial to remember that our core identity is what truly matters. It’s about how we uplift one another and support those around us.
Initially, I viewed my cheerleading experience as a source of embarrassment, but my perspective has shifted. I now value the importance of encouragement and teamwork, and I must admit, I enjoyed wearing that cheer skirt.
One lingering concern for me is the perception that cheerleaders exist solely to support male athletes. Yet, when you think about it, the world of sports, in general, can seem arbitrary and bizarre. Imagine explaining football to an alien: “We attempt to move a ball down a field while a bunch of men tackle each other, and some professionals end up with brain injuries.” By comparison, cheerleaders engage in organized routines and spirited dance.
However, there’s an unspoken hierarchy within the realm of sports. For instance, field hockey players often look down upon cheerleading, dismissing it as not being a “real” sport. I’ve even joked that I wouldn’t let my son play hockey, assuming he might be too gentle for that world—a stereotype I know isn’t entirely accurate.
At a recent gathering, a well-meaning teacher expressed her disappointment that one of her top students—a talented athlete—had decided to become a cheerleader. She commented with an eye roll, as if the choice was akin to a life of crime. When she playfully asked if any of us had been cheerleaders, I hesitated. In the past, I might have shied away from answering, but this time, I decided to embrace my history. When I revealed my past as a cheerleader, I noticed her demeanor shift; she hadn’t meant to offend.
I understand the biases that exist in our society. Intelligence doesn’t exclude cheerleading, nor does a fondness for pink dismiss one’s commitment to feminism. It’s time to challenge these stereotypes. Whether you identify as a feminist cheerleader, a feminist hockey player, or a football enthusiast who enjoys baking, it’s vital to embrace your identity without shame. It took me years to accept something that should have been a point of pride. Cheerleading has shaped my journey, and I now choose to view it positively.
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In conclusion, I am grateful for my cheerleading experience; it has contributed to who I am today, and I’m proud of that.