Recently, I overheard a young girl express, “My mom said I could try any sport except cheerleading. I refuse to support the boys.” As a feminist, I understood her perspective, but as a former cheerleader, I found myself conflicted. This got me reflecting on whether I would permit my daughter (or my son) to join a cheerleading squad. My answer was unequivocal: Absolutely, yes.
As both a feminist and someone who has donned a cheerleading uniform, I recognize the ongoing discourse surrounding this topic. For years, I felt embarrassed about my cheerleading past. I pleaded with my father not to disclose it to my then-boyfriend (now husband), concealed it from my college peers, and purged any memorabilia. Being a cheerleader seemed incompatible with my identity; I wasn’t bubbly, school spirit didn’t resonate with me, and I considered myself a feminist. The notion of cheering for male athletes felt disingenuous.
Even in high school, I struggled to reconcile being a cheerleader with my self-image. However, I realized I needed extracurricular activities to enhance my college applications, and since my best friend was the captain, I figured it would be okay. I also enjoyed the physical challenge and fun of cheerleading, and it indeed contributed to my college acceptance.
In my college years, as I delved deeper into women’s studies, I grappled with a sense of shame about my cheerleading background. This led me to ponder: Is it possible to be both a feminist and a cheerleader? The straightforward answer is yes. Cheerleading is undeniably a sport; it is physically demanding and instills the same values found in other athletic endeavors. Limiting feminism to a specific appearance or behavior is itself a form of discrimination. Enjoying traditionally feminine activities, like manicures, does not preclude one from advocating for women’s rights.
Feminism encompasses diverse identities and expressions. One can appreciate a pedicure while fighting for wage equality or advocate for reproductive rights while wearing a fashionable outfit. We often become so fixated on external appearances that we neglect the essence of a person. To paraphrase RuPaul, “We are born naked, and the rest is merely performance.”
We are fortunate to express ourselves through our clothing and activities, yet these choices do not define our core identity. What truly matters is how we uplift and support others around us. My past as a cheerleader once filled me with shame, but I now recognize its value. I appreciate the camaraderie and the joy of supporting others, and, to be honest, I liked the uniform.
Nonetheless, I still wrestle with the perception that cheerleaders exist solely to support male athletes. I often ponder the arbitrary nature of sports in general. If extraterrestrials were to inquire about football, we might have a difficult time explaining it: “We attempt to move a ball across a field while a group of men engages in physical combat. Also, some professionals suffer serious brain injuries.” At least cheerleading includes synchronized movements and entertaining routines.
There exists an unspoken hierarchy among sports. For instance, field hockey players often look down upon cheerleaders for lack of legitimacy as an athletic pursuit. I once stated I wouldn’t allow my son to play hockey due to stereotypes about the sport, but I recognize those are generalizations. At a recent gathering, a well-meaning educator expressed disappointment that a talented student was pursuing cheerleading, as if it were a poor choice. When she inquired if we had been cheerleaders ourselves, I decided to embrace my past and proudly admitted it. I could tell she felt awkward, which wasn’t her intention. It’s common for those in her social circles to perceive cheerleading negatively.
I understand the societal biases we face. Intelligence is often wrongly associated with disinterest in cheerleading, and preferences for pink are sometimes viewed as contrary to feminist ideals. However, it’s time to challenge these stereotypes. Whether one identifies as a feminist cheerleader, hockey player, or football enthusiast who enjoys baking, it’s essential to embrace who we are without shame. It took me many years to appreciate an aspect of my life that I once found trivial. Cheerleading is part of my journey, and I choose to view it positively.
I am grateful for the role cheerleading played in my life; it contributed to where I stand today, and I am genuinely content with that.
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Summary:
In examining the role of cheerleading within a feminist framework, it becomes evident that cheerleading is a valid sport that fosters teamwork and empowerment. Embracing diverse expressions of identity allows individuals to challenge societal norms and redefine what it means to be both a feminist and a cheerleader. It is crucial to support one another, regardless of the paths we choose.