I was at the NBA Eastern Conference Semi-Final Game 7 between the World Champion Boston Celtics and the Orlando Magic today and something at the game rekindled an internal debate I’ve been struggling with for years now.
Cheerleaders
I’m conflicted over their very existence. I still can’t decide if I am for or against them.
On the one hand, I think to myself: How could any self respecting woman take such a job? The whole concept is degrading. Sports teams hoping to maintain the attention of their main demographic (young men) during timeouts by throwing pretty women in skimpy clothing in front them. And on top of that, have them dance… shall we say, suggestively. It objectifies women and reinforces stereotypes regarding their role in society that should have been broken down decades ago.
But, then I think to myself: It’s a job. And I’m guessing a relatively well paying one. And I am certainly not in the business telling people what they should or shouldn’t do with their lives. If a woman is passionate about dancing (and/or enjoys sports), why not try to be a cheerleader? It’s a high profile gig that I’m sure will serve their dancing careers well down the road. You get lots of press and attention, you do good for the community when not at games etc. And it’s only temporary by its very nature.
So which perspective wins out in the end? I still haven’t decided. My heart says it doesn’t feel right and we should strive for better as a people. While my brain says, why not? Life is far too short to deny these girls a job opportunity and simultaneously take away some dude’s entertainment.
Overall this post solves nothing in terms of me reaching a conclusion on the matter. But I wanted to get my thoughts out there and see how others feel about the issue (or non-issue). Or I could discover I’m all alone on this one and I just think too much. Sound off below in the comments section.
I have read that pro cheerleaders are paid around $50 per game. Since it is very competitive and somewhat prestigious, the pay is minimal.
I see what you are saying, and don’t entirely disagree, but here is a view from another perspective.
What is more degrading… A person who sits around the house all day eating bonbons and watching soap operas or someone who keeps fit, active and takes low paying job in the hopes of reaching a higher level in the entertainment business?
Keep up the nice work ladies. 🙂
But Facebook IS trying to own it all. They want to be the one ring to rule them all . Good job cainllg out Apple on their closed nature, but Facebook is pretty much doing the same thing, they’re just sneakier about it. Maybe there are some good people there, but everything I hear about Facebook, from their support of Zynga to their bait-and-switch approach to gathering userdata, is very much Let’s be Evil . I don’t trust them. I’d even go so far as to suggest Open Graph is just a decoy.
At last! Something clear I can understand. Thanks!
I’ve been looking for a post like this for an age
I searched a bunch of sites and this was the best.
I agree with Tim. If they choose to do it, then good for them. It’s not like it is a career, its just something to do when you’re young. Who cares?