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Professional Cheerleading: Paternalism at Its Worst

I can’t believe how little they’re paid

William Mersey
Bouncin’ and Behavin’ Blogs

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It all begins in high school. “Be true to you school, like you would to your girl,” as the Beach boys sang decades ago preaching the mantra. The football and basketball games are a huge deal for the students. Played on weekends, everybody comes out to cheer on their boys.

For a guy to be on one of those teams signifies success, brings celebrity, and of course, the cutest girls in school. But for the girls? To be a female high school athlete carries almost zero cachet. Their contests go unattended. There is no hoopla surrounding their efforts and endeavors.

The only way they get to participate in all the glory associated with the boys’ team sports is to be featured cheering in front of the throng that goes to the their games.

They become cheerleaders.

The female gym teacher runs the tryouts. Who’s the prettiest — has the best body — jumps the highest — is the best gymnast? She gets to be a cheerleader. The boys get the glory; they’re nothing but supporting cast.

Still, they are paragons of femininity. They are America’s female role models for high school kids. They jump up and down in support of their men.

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