Gender Inequality in Cheerleader Training Program
For decades, teams that compete on the professional level in the NFL have utilized cheerleaders/dancers for sideline entertainment. These cheerleaders have evolved with society and progressed right along with society as well. Overall, NFL cheerleaders represent their team and are utilized for marketing purposes which is just as important as their entertainment value. Additionally, inclusivity is important. Many of these cheerleading programs host junior camps in which they teach young kids, usually ages ranging from 6-12, how to dance and perform. Young fans often look up to these cheerleaders and view them as role models. However, there is a severe lack of representation in many of these cheerleading programs: men.
Male cheerleaders are severely underrepresented in these NFL cheer programs, and with the tolerance and equality that society in the United States is proud of, it’s now time to change that. Standing behind these male cheerleaders is my organization “Cheer Equality: Boys Matter Too”. The lack of male cheerleaders in these programs can be detrimental to young boys who are interested in these programs but don’t see themselves represented on these teams. They may feel invisible as these programs are such a huge part of the American football culture. Due to this, it is vital that NFL cheerleading organizations start including male cheerleaders in their program. The Tennessee Titans cheerleading program has evolved to the point of a real cheer program. The Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders face controversy from the cheer industry since they only dance, and the Tennessee Titan’s program is changing the game. They also feature male cheerleaders and many other aspects of a more elite, athletic cheer, including stunts and tumbling. These male cheerleaders add diversity and inclusivity into the program, and it allows for young boys growing up who are interested in dance and cheer, something to look forward to and look up to.
In this day and age, society has become accepting of breaking the gender norms, more females are looking into football and more males into cheerleading. As NFL cheerleading progresses into the more athletic aspect of cheerleading, it is also important to break the usual gender norm. Representation in society is vital to progression. When people see people like themselves on TV, they feel seen by the world. When they don’t see themselves represented properly, it can create a feeling of isolation which can be detrimental to a young, bright mind. Being inclusive to all and breaking gender norms is also key to progressing society. NFL cheerleading organizations have a huge platform and influence on the American image. These programs often showcase the most attractive women and their ability to dance, but by progressing these programs to allowing male cheerleaders like the Titans cheer team, and adding the athletic capability of the sport, it further adds excitement and expands the American image.
In general, the United States has always been a beacon of equality and inclusivity, and it’s time that our country’s most prideful and celebrated groups of dancers/cheerleaders represent all of America, including the boys and men who are interested in cheerleading. Therefore, adding male cheerleaders to the spotlight in these programs is necessary in the society we live in today.
