Comments on: The Futility of Cheerleading http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/ Not reading this is absolutely free. Sun, 07 Sep 2008 21:59:41 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.1 By: Randi http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-26550 Randi Tue, 26 Jun 2007 12:32:46 +0000 http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-26550 Oh my god, that was hilarious. The only thing is, I know so many people who would get offended because they are cheerleaders and they find a point in it. LOL. I had to bite my lip to keep from bursting out laughing where people walking by would think I'm stupid. Its a women-dominated sport you can say, so its explanation......might not work for you. I don't mean to be sexist or anything, being a women myself, but you probably could definitly find something a little more....productive to spend time on. Oh my god, that was hilarious. The only thing is, I know so many people who would get offended because they are cheerleaders and they find a point in it. LOL. I had to bite my lip to keep from bursting out laughing where people walking by would think I’m stupid. Its a women-dominated sport you can say, so its explanation……might not work for you. I don’t mean to be sexist or anything, being a women myself, but you probably could definitly find something a little more….productive to spend time on.

]]> By: Midnight http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-26554 Midnight Tue, 26 Jun 2007 12:56:37 +0000 http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-26554 Thanks for the comment, Randi. Glad to see I didn't alienate all women with my post. Thanks for the comment, Randi. Glad to see I didn’t alienate all women with my post.

]]> By: Banzai http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-26566 Banzai Tue, 26 Jun 2007 15:39:49 +0000 http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-26566 Good post. But look at our society and it's recent history. Do you really think, even looking at cheerleading itself, comparing what it is now with what it was 20 years ago, that in the progress of our nation, cheerleading will fall out as the useless waste of time it seems to be? I predict it will become an Olympic Sport. Or perhaps a pay-per-view event on ESPN. ;-P Good post.

But look at our society and it’s recent history. Do you really think, even looking at cheerleading itself, comparing what it is now with what it was 20 years ago, that in the progress of our nation, cheerleading will fall out as the useless waste of time it seems to be?

I predict it will become an Olympic Sport. Or perhaps a pay-per-view event on ESPN.
;-P

]]> By: Wayne Elmore http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-26597 Wayne Elmore Tue, 26 Jun 2007 19:58:43 +0000 http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-26597 Maybe it enhances reproduction thus the frequency of cheer leading genes would have likely increased over the years thus explaining the changes in the practice over the decades. The actual role of a gene in natural selection is not recognized immediately. One has to search diligently. Moreover, the frequencey of an allele is impacted by the algebraic sum of all selection pressures. The author signts many impacts that are negative which should have accounted for the exitinction of cheerleading. My hypothesis is that, yup, increased reproductive capacity is a much larger positive selective pressure than the impact of the many negative selective pressures. This is the only explantion that makes sense. After all the population of cheerleaders is much too large and gene flow is free so the possibility that genetic drift could have increased the frequency of the cheer leading alleles must be discounted. Maybe it enhances reproduction thus the frequency of cheer leading genes would have likely increased over the years thus explaining the changes in the practice over the decades. The actual role of a gene in natural selection is not recognized immediately. One has to search diligently. Moreover, the frequencey of an allele is impacted by the algebraic sum of all selection pressures. The author signts many impacts that are negative which should have accounted for the exitinction of cheerleading. My hypothesis is that, yup, increased reproductive capacity is a much larger positive selective pressure than the impact of the many negative selective pressures. This is the only explantion that makes sense. After all the population of cheerleaders is much too large and gene flow is free so the possibility that genetic drift could have increased the frequency of the cheer leading alleles must be discounted.

]]> By: Jim Hillhouse http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-26646 Jim Hillhouse Wed, 27 Jun 2007 05:37:41 +0000 http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-26646 Great post and off-the-charts hilarious mainly because it's true and accurate. When I played football...gosh, +30 years ago, we'd look to the cheerleaders and our own cheerleading before we, the great Cherokee Bend 7th Grade football team, went to get our tails kicked. So, the cheerleading didn't help. And after that sort of head beating by people who outweighed us by 30 lbs and who ended up at U. Alabama, Georgia Tech, or other some such programs while all of us ended up as engineering majors and other non-football scholarship endeavors, as we patched up our wounds we didn't even look at the girls because at that point they were the last thing on our minds. So, cheerleaders are useless for the team they are trying to cheer up. That's one reason I went into the swimming program. There weren't any cheerleaders, but at least I got to see pretty girls in swimsuits during the 2 hours of swim practice. Great post and off-the-charts hilarious mainly because it’s true and accurate. When I played football…gosh, +30 years ago, we’d look to the cheerleaders and our own cheerleading before we, the great Cherokee Bend 7th Grade football team, went to get our tails kicked. So, the cheerleading didn’t help.

And after that sort of head beating by people who outweighed us by 30 lbs and who ended up at U. Alabama, Georgia Tech, or other some such programs while all of us ended up as engineering majors and other non-football scholarship endeavors, as we patched up our wounds we didn’t even look at the girls because at that point they were the last thing on our minds. So, cheerleaders are useless for the team they are trying to cheer up. That’s one reason I went into the swimming program. There weren’t any cheerleaders, but at least I got to see pretty girls in swimsuits during the 2 hours of swim practice.

]]> By: Midnight http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-26694 Midnight Wed, 27 Jun 2007 13:49:31 +0000 http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-26694 Wayne, Interesting theory. I definitely believe that reproduction rates are higher among cheerleader compared to non-cheerleaders, especially at early ages. This could explain the tendency of cheerleading to survive despite heavy evolutionary pressure Wayne,
Interesting theory. I definitely believe that reproduction rates are higher among cheerleader compared to non-cheerleaders, especially at early ages. This could explain the tendency of cheerleading to survive despite heavy evolutionary pressure

]]> By: Banzai http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-26700 Banzai Wed, 27 Jun 2007 14:42:06 +0000 http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-26700 So the theory seems to be that the cheerleading gene increases reproductive rates. However it being otherwise non-contributive to the survival of the species, individual member survival would decrease as individual intelligence spiraled downward. Thus advancement of the species as a whole would slow since collective intelligence would decrease despite increases in membership due to improved reproductive rates. And since advancement of the species is slowed, it would only be a matter of time before the extinction of the species. Thus cheerleading has doomed us, much as Jim describes with his 7th grade football team. Self-defeating! So the theory seems to be that the cheerleading gene increases reproductive rates.

However it being otherwise non-contributive to the survival of the species, individual member survival would decrease as individual intelligence spiraled downward. Thus advancement of the species as a whole would slow since collective intelligence would decrease despite increases in membership due to improved reproductive rates.

And since advancement of the species is slowed, it would only be a matter of time before the extinction of the species.

Thus cheerleading has doomed us, much as Jim describes with his 7th grade football team. Self-defeating!

]]> By: CajunTiger http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-26841 CajunTiger Thu, 28 Jun 2007 23:04:13 +0000 http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-26841 This post will come back to haunt you when you have a daughter who's life ambition is to be a college cheerleader...lol This post will come back to haunt you when you have a daughter who’s life ambition is to be a college cheerleader…lol

]]> By: CajunTiger http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-26843 CajunTiger Thu, 28 Jun 2007 23:04:37 +0000 http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-26843 This post will come back to haunt you when you have a daughter whose life ambition is to be a college cheerleader...lol This post will come back to haunt you when you have a daughter whose life ambition is to be a college cheerleader…lol

]]> By: Randi http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-26931 Randi Fri, 29 Jun 2007 15:58:37 +0000 http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-26931 I'd fall out of my chair and just die of laughter if what Cajun Tiger said comes true. I believe in "the more you hate, the more you trip over" - in your case its not hate per say.....but just something you find no value in. It still has a way, it'll find you. LOL> I’d fall out of my chair and just die of laughter if what Cajun Tiger said comes true. I believe in “the more you hate, the more you trip over” - in your case its not hate per say…..but just something you find no value in. It still has a way, it’ll find you. LOL>

]]> By: HG http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-26933 HG Fri, 29 Jun 2007 17:24:16 +0000 http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-26933 George W. Bush was a cheerleader at both Andover and Yale. George W. Bush was a cheerleader at both Andover and Yale.

]]> By: Laura http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-26944 Laura Fri, 29 Jun 2007 19:20:43 +0000 http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-26944 You forgot the fact that not only is it dumb and often demeaning, but high school and especially college cheerleading is a "sport" that has more injuries per year than football. Yes folks, that is true. All that throwing people around and forgetting to catch them has a side effect. And have you ever seen a human pyramid collapse? Not pretty. Nice point about Bush being a cheerleader. Snort. You forgot the fact that not only is it dumb and often demeaning, but high school and especially college cheerleading is a “sport” that has more injuries per year than football. Yes folks, that is true. All that throwing people around and forgetting to catch them has a side effect. And have you ever seen a human pyramid collapse? Not pretty.

Nice point about Bush being a cheerleader. Snort.

]]> By: Janet http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-27219 Janet Mon, 02 Jul 2007 02:08:32 +0000 http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-27219 I enjoy your blog. Have been reading it sporadically since my son was told he'd be working in the Perfume Palace. When I Googled that, up came your blog (you posted a list regarding that in one of your entries). My wish for you is that 15 to 20 years from now that your daughter doesn't aspire to become a cheerleader. I could never see that as a sport, either. It's just a way to relegate girls to the sidelines while the men grab all the glory. I enjoy your blog. Have been reading it sporadically since my son was told he’d be working in the Perfume Palace. When I Googled that, up came your blog (you posted a list regarding that in one of your entries).

My wish for you is that 15 to 20 years from now that your daughter doesn’t aspire to become a cheerleader. I could never see that as a sport, either. It’s just a way to relegate girls to the sidelines while the men grab all the glory.

]]> By: Heather http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-27363 Heather Tue, 03 Jul 2007 14:21:27 +0000 http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-27363 WOW.. you must have really been tortured when you were in school. What would ever posess you to care so much? Where you beat up or made fun of as a child? You're negative for no reason. Why would you care to write such a meaningless article? For someone who obviously doesnt like cheerleading or the girls and guys who participate in the SPORT you sure took your time to type up a little bitch fest. I was a cheerleader in high school and I will be cheerleading in college. The people who participate in cheerleading arent just droids who walk around with pom poms. My cheerleading squad had half of the student government, a majority of the honor roll and every single one of us participated in other clubs and sports. We dont just CHEER.. we are basketball players, wrestlers, lacross players, hockey players, and even softball players. You have it set in your head that cheerleaders are dumb struck air headed retards who scream at an audience because they have nothing better to do. Cheerleaders carry many qualities that they wouldnt normally have had they not joined. As sterotypical as it sounds cheerleaders do learn leadership skills. Doubt that all you want beacause I know you will. But let me see you walk into a highschool cheerleading practice and instantly command a group of 30 teenage girls who dont necessarily get alone just because they are on the same team! I honestly doubt that you could unless you had a gun, and even then i'm almost sure that you would get lip from someone. We also work twice as hard as everyone else when it comes to working out and school work. To be on a team, you must maintain a 2.0 GPA, which is NOT high at all. But that is only our distric school boards rule. Our COACHES have us aim higher than that.. how about a 3.5 min. We have to bring our grades and transcrips to practice every quarter and if we have anything LESS, we are booted. Take all of that into consideration and maybe you'll see that not all cheerleaders are brainless. Granted, im sure SOME of them should be shoved in a dumpster but not all of us are morons. I cant wait to start college in the fall and make my way onto the football feild as a USF cheerleader! GO BULLS! like omg, we totally effing rock! WOW.. you must have really been tortured when you were in school. What would ever posess you to care so much? Where you beat up or made fun of as a child? You’re negative for no reason. Why would you care to write such a meaningless article? For someone who obviously doesnt like cheerleading or the girls and guys who participate in the SPORT you sure took your time to type up a little bitch fest. I was a cheerleader in high school and I will be cheerleading in college. The people who participate in cheerleading arent just droids who walk around with pom poms. My cheerleading squad had half of the student government, a majority of the honor roll and every single one of us participated in other clubs and sports. We dont just CHEER.. we are basketball players, wrestlers, lacross players, hockey players, and even softball players. You have it set in your head that cheerleaders are dumb struck air headed retards who scream at an audience because they have nothing better to do. Cheerleaders carry many qualities that they wouldnt normally have had they not joined. As sterotypical as it sounds cheerleaders do learn leadership skills. Doubt that all you want beacause I know you will. But let me see you walk into a highschool cheerleading practice and instantly command a group of 30 teenage girls who dont necessarily get alone just because they are on the same team! I honestly doubt that you could unless you had a gun, and even then i’m almost sure that you would get lip from someone. We also work twice as hard as everyone else when it comes to working out and school work. To be on a team, you must maintain a 2.0 GPA, which is NOT high at all. But that is only our distric school boards rule. Our COACHES have us aim higher than that.. how about a 3.5 min. We have to bring our grades and transcrips to practice every quarter and if we have anything LESS, we are booted. Take all of that into consideration and maybe you’ll see that not all cheerleaders are brainless. Granted, im sure SOME of them should be shoved in a dumpster but not all of us are morons. I cant wait to start college in the fall and make my way onto the football feild as a USF cheerleader! GO BULLS! like omg, we totally effing rock!

]]> By: Midnight http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-27364 Midnight Tue, 03 Jul 2007 14:27:17 +0000 http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-27364 Heather, I've commanded Marines in combat. A squad of adolescents doesn't intimidate me. Have fun at practice. Heather,
I’ve commanded Marines in combat. A squad of adolescents doesn’t intimidate me. Have fun at practice.

]]> By: Randi http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-27404 Randi Tue, 03 Jul 2007 19:58:48 +0000 http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-27404 THAT, was funny. Heather started out.....relatively strong. But seems like you laid it to her plain and simple. To be a Marine is to be a leader, regardless of what rank you are. Good point..let's see......lead a team where live rounds are buzzing around your head...or lead a team still stuck in high school bliss....I gotta give it to yah Midnight, I think you got the harder of the two. THAT, was funny. Heather started out…..relatively strong. But seems like you laid it to her plain and simple. To be a Marine is to be a leader, regardless of what rank you are. Good point..let’s see……lead a team where live rounds are buzzing around your head…or lead a team still stuck in high school bliss….I gotta give it to yah Midnight, I think you got the harder of the two.

]]> By: Banzai http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-27415 Banzai Tue, 03 Jul 2007 20:39:46 +0000 http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-27415 Midnight: "Essayons!" The best bit, "... <i>GO BULLS! like omg, we totally effing rock!</i>" hahahahahahahahahaha!!! Heather: Have fun in college. Midnight: “Essayons!”

The best bit, “… GO BULLS! like omg, we totally effing rock!”

hahahahahahahahahaha!!!

Heather: Have fun in college.

]]> By: MaryKaye http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-27448 MaryKaye Wed, 04 Jul 2007 03:41:54 +0000 http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-27448 Hysterical. Almost lost my first job as the girl's PE teacher because I was assigned all of girl's PE grades 4-12 (central school upstate NY), plus the girl's JV and varsity basketball coach, softball coach, soccer intramural program and teh cheerleaders. I was willing to take it all on but the cheerleaders. I all but walked out on them thir first practice. As noted by others, the 'sport' has evolved some, and has in many instances become quite competitive. But I still see it as one of the most brainless endeavors a young woman could undertake. Thanks for the laugh. Great post. Hysterical. Almost lost my first job as the girl’s PE teacher because I was assigned all of girl’s PE grades 4-12 (central school upstate NY), plus the girl’s JV and varsity basketball coach, softball coach, soccer intramural program and teh cheerleaders. I was willing to take it all on but the cheerleaders. I all but walked out on them thir first practice. As noted by others, the ’sport’ has evolved some, and has in many instances become quite competitive. But I still see it as one of the most brainless endeavors a young woman could undertake. Thanks for the laugh. Great post.

]]> By: danielle http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-28616 danielle Fri, 13 Jul 2007 23:28:46 +0000 http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-28616 Hey! Cheerleading is hard. You have to be a qualified gymnast and stuff. You need to be well disciplined and physically fit. I guess it's not a big deal to a lot of people, but it's a fun sport! I mean, I guess if you can't make it on the women's basketball team, you can just cheer them on or something! It's just as hard yknow. Hey! Cheerleading is hard. You have to be a qualified gymnast and stuff. You need to be well disciplined and physically fit. I guess it’s not a big deal to a lot of people, but it’s a fun sport! I mean, I guess if you can’t make it on the women’s basketball team, you can just cheer them on or something! It’s just as hard yknow.

]]> By: Jake Silver http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-28686 Jake Silver Sat, 14 Jul 2007 13:18:06 +0000 http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-28686 But maybe if you do cheerleading you can become President of the USA. But maybe if you do cheerleading you can become President of the USA.

]]> By: Barb http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-29499 Barb Sun, 22 Jul 2007 07:28:49 +0000 http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-29499 While I see the overall truth of your post you did overlook a few points in favour of... Cheerleaders are teams and must work to perform as such and, yes, there is another thing, they are performers. Several that I have known are exceptional gymnasts. Olympic caliber and you can win scholarships there. My son played football in high school and was a 'big, strong, guy!' (Still is) and spent part of his senior year on the 'Pep Squad'. His job there... Catching the girls in the pyramids and flips and such. The girls loved him because he didn't drop them and the guys envied him because he spent an enviable amount of time tossing and catching these cute, short-skirted girls, holding them in pose and setting them back on their feet all without any grief from the VP's office. Now comes the parts I find amusing... these are the 'gasp' popular girls! OMG Wating for them to miss a toss or tumble, colliding during hand springs across the side lines, becoming fodder under the feet (cleated) of out of bounds footballers and referees. And freezing their short skirted backsides off during football season. I know this may seem mean or sadistic...but, hey, when you are in a group of your friends in big coats and blankets in the stands, fully armed with peanuts and popcorn to pelt the sidelines with and your team is spanking the visiting team...that's what I'm talking about! P.S. I WAS a cheerleader one year in high school. Ain't it cool! While I see the overall truth of your post you did overlook a few points in favour of…
Cheerleaders are teams and must work to perform as such and, yes, there is another thing, they are performers. Several that I have known are exceptional gymnasts. Olympic caliber and you can win scholarships there.
My son played football in high school and was a ‘big, strong, guy!’ (Still is) and spent part of his senior year on the ‘Pep Squad’. His job there… Catching the girls in the pyramids and flips and such. The girls loved him because he didn’t drop them and the guys envied him because he spent an enviable amount of time tossing and catching these cute, short-skirted girls, holding them in pose and setting them back on their feet all without any grief from the VP’s office. Now comes the parts I find amusing… these are the ‘gasp’ popular girls! OMG
Wating for them to miss a toss or tumble, colliding during hand springs across the side lines, becoming fodder under the feet (cleated) of out of bounds footballers and referees. And freezing their short skirted backsides off during football season. I know this may seem mean or sadistic…but, hey, when you are in a group of your friends in big coats and blankets in the stands, fully armed with peanuts and popcorn to pelt the sidelines with and your team is spanking the visiting team…that’s what I’m talking about!

P.S. I WAS a cheerleader one year in high school. Ain’t it cool!

]]> By: Mittens http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-29941 Mittens Thu, 26 Jul 2007 22:08:11 +0000 http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-29941 Hahahaha I find that hilarious despite the fact that I am, in fact, a college cheerleader. It may seem that way to an outsider, but how is cheerleading any more useless than pushing a ball over a line (football) or whacking a ball with a some stick-like object (baseball, cricket, etc) Granted, I don't think the actual yelling/dancing part is worth anything, the tumbling and stunting and pyramids take a lot of work and athletic skill to master. I was an international elite gymnast, was in the gym 12-13 hours per day 6 days a week, and used to hate cheerleading with a passion, but that was only because I didn't really know what it was about. While it isn't my ideal choice (i'd go back to gymnastics if I could) it isn't that bad. Also, not all cheerleaders become coaches / are out of shape; my team has 3 practices a week, weightlifting 3 times a week, and cardio three times a week in addition to performances and games. Most of us also do additional workouts when we have time, but it isn't required. Still think its easy and brainless? Our squad has one of the highest GPAs for any sport on campus, and most of us have "actual" majors, in biochemistry and other sciences, economics, business, marketing, journalism, etc...so it isn't as if we're all taking blow off classes and having our tutors take the exams for us like most of the major sports. Anyway, while most of the time we are seen as little more than decorations present in photos put into christmas cards, we do put in a lot of work to do what we do, we look good, and we are no more useless than any other sport. :-) Hahahaha I find that hilarious despite the fact that I am, in fact, a college cheerleader.
It may seem that way to an outsider, but how is cheerleading any more useless than pushing a ball over a line (football) or whacking a ball with a some stick-like object (baseball, cricket, etc) Granted, I don’t think the actual yelling/dancing part is worth anything, the tumbling and stunting and pyramids take a lot of work and athletic skill to master. I was an international elite gymnast, was in the gym 12-13 hours per day 6 days a week, and used to hate cheerleading with a passion, but that was only because I didn’t really know what it was about. While it isn’t my ideal choice (i’d go back to gymnastics if I could) it isn’t that bad.

Also, not all cheerleaders become coaches / are out of shape; my team has 3 practices a week, weightlifting 3 times a week, and cardio three times a week in addition to performances and games. Most of us also do additional workouts when we have time, but it isn’t required. Still think its easy and brainless? Our squad has one of the highest GPAs for any sport on campus, and most of us have “actual” majors, in biochemistry and other sciences, economics, business, marketing, journalism, etc…so it isn’t as if we’re all taking blow off classes and having our tutors take the exams for us like most of the major sports.

Anyway, while most of the time we are seen as little more than decorations present in photos put into christmas cards, we do put in a lot of work to do what we do, we look good, and we are no more useless than any other sport. :-)

]]> By: Stan http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-30644 Stan Thu, 02 Aug 2007 16:19:31 +0000 http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-30644 Cheerleading allows schools to spend tons of money on football programs in states like Texas that require equal funding to boys and girls athletic programs. Cheerleading is an easy way to waste money on the same scale as the football programs and it also provides cheering support for the football team. A win win situation. Cheerleading allows schools to spend tons of money on football programs in states like Texas that require equal funding to boys and girls athletic programs. Cheerleading is an easy way to waste money on the same scale as the football programs and it also provides cheering support for the football team. A win win situation.

]]> By: Angela http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-30892 Angela Sat, 04 Aug 2007 20:57:59 +0000 http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-30892 I was really enjoying your blogs - until the one on cheerleading. Perhaps you were a young einstein and were able to skip high school right on to the Ivy league for you. And while your perspective was definately hysterical and until a few years ago I may have agreed. One of my daughters wanted so badly to be a high school cheerleader tried out and made the team. During practice they would run and workout in the weight room you wouldn't believe it but they actually broke out in a sweat. They made good friends, did not come home after school and sit infront of the TV or computer and had to maintain the same GPA as the football players. My daughter has been a competetive swimmer for many years but in fall there is no swimming and cheerleading sounded like a fun way to meet people. She enjoyed it and worked very hard during the season and after for competition which they competed and won in our county. I understand why you may feel the way you do, I can only hope you and your wife have a girl and she wants to be a cheerleader. Also, as I have 4 daughters with one of them cheering I had an excuse to go to the High School football games on friday nights. It was a great experience all around. Give them a break. All cheerleading coaches don't go on to gain weight it isn't polite to crucify an entire group of people just trying to help kids find their way in high school. I was really enjoying your blogs - until the one on cheerleading. Perhaps you were a young einstein and were able to skip high school right on to the Ivy league for you. And while your perspective was definately hysterical and until a few years ago I may have agreed. One of my daughters wanted so badly to be a high school cheerleader tried out and made the team. During practice they would run and workout in the weight room you wouldn’t believe it but they actually broke out in a sweat. They made good friends, did not come home after school and sit infront of the TV or computer and had to maintain the same GPA as the football players. My daughter has been a competetive swimmer for many years but in fall there is no swimming and cheerleading sounded like a fun way to meet people. She enjoyed it and worked very hard during the season and after for competition which they competed and won in our county. I understand why you may feel the way you do, I can only hope you and your wife have a girl and she wants to be a cheerleader. Also, as I have 4 daughters with one of them cheering I had an excuse to go to the High School football games on friday nights. It was a great experience all around. Give them a break. All cheerleading coaches don’t go on to gain weight it isn’t polite to crucify an entire group of people just trying to help kids find their way in high school.

]]> By: Midnight http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-31243 Midnight Tue, 07 Aug 2007 20:24:10 +0000 http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-31243 Perhaps they are just finding their way...to a job at Cheetaz. I hardly think poking fun at the personal decisions of a group of people is "crucifying." Perhaps one day I will have a daughter that wants to cheer. I suppose I will deal with that if/when it happens. At high school age I think they've matured enough to start making many of their own decisions. If I haven't raised my daughter to make better decisions than cheerleading then I suppose the issue may be past us at that point. I hope that she'll have enough left-brain to find another source of exercise and social entertainment. I also know that in any leadership situation if the leader allows something that he knows to be detrimental because the led want it then he has not done his job. Perhaps they are just finding their way…to a job at Cheetaz.

I hardly think poking fun at the personal decisions of a group of people is “crucifying.” Perhaps one day I will have a daughter that wants to cheer. I suppose I will deal with that if/when it happens. At high school age I think they’ve matured enough to start making many of their own decisions. If I haven’t raised my daughter to make better decisions than cheerleading then I suppose the issue may be past us at that point. I hope that she’ll have enough left-brain to find another source of exercise and social entertainment. I also know that in any leadership situation if the leader allows something that he knows to be detrimental because the led want it then he has not done his job.

]]> By: Xyane http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-32233 Xyane Thu, 16 Aug 2007 09:03:37 +0000 http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-32233 It may terrify you to do it, but you should check out the movie "Bring It On". There are some very talented gymnasts out there. I know a male cheer leader at Texas Tech. This is very demanding sport. Of course you are talking junior high. I am talking about prominent high school and college cheer team competitors. I just thought I would add a different point of view. Xyane. It may terrify you to do it, but you should check out the movie “Bring It On”. There are some very talented gymnasts out there. I know a male cheer leader at Texas Tech. This is very demanding sport. Of course you are talking junior high. I am talking about prominent high school and college cheer team competitors. I just thought I would add a different point of view. Xyane.

]]> By: mandy http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-33595 mandy Thu, 30 Aug 2007 00:27:39 +0000 http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-33595 I just want to let you know that i am a cheerleader. and if its so useless y dont u try it i bet u you wouldnt last a day in cheerleading. you have to be strong know how do do flips, lift people up in the air and have crazy eye hand cordination. I happen to be a straight A student and i dont think that you should go juding people like that. this is a real sport and you have to be really strong to do it. It evolves physics and biology. I totaly agree with that other person. what would make you care so much? you honestly have way too much time on ur hands if you spend your time making a website about cheerleaders. GO GET A LIFE. I think your just jealouse that you probably dont even have a real talent. I feel sorry for people like you. not really hahahahahaha. so pretty much try cheerleading and when your done then you can proceed with this INSANE website. o and i found this website when i was doing my essay on how cheerleading was scientific. thanks for your time, love a cheerleader mandy I just want to let you know that i am a cheerleader. and if its so useless y dont u try it i bet u you wouldnt last a day in cheerleading. you have to be strong know how do do flips, lift people up in the air and have crazy eye hand cordination. I happen to be a straight A student and i dont think that you should go juding people like that. this is a real sport and you have to be really strong to do it. It evolves physics and biology. I totaly agree with that other person. what would make you care so much? you honestly have way too much time on ur hands if you spend your time making a website about cheerleaders. GO GET A LIFE. I think your just jealouse that you probably dont even have a real talent. I feel sorry for people like you. not really hahahahahaha. so pretty much try cheerleading and when your done then you can proceed with this INSANE website. o and i found this website when i was doing my essay on how cheerleading was scientific.

thanks for your time,

love a cheerleader
mandy

]]> By: mandy http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-33596 mandy Thu, 30 Aug 2007 00:35:41 +0000 http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-33596 you people that made this really need to get a life you people that made this really need to get a life

]]> By: mandy http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-33599 mandy Thu, 30 Aug 2007 00:50:21 +0000 http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-33599 I feel sorry for you people cuz u suck. sorry to break it to you. o wait no im not! and im offended that your calling me dumb when i have a 4.0 and im one of the most fit girls in my grade. but what ever. thats your problem that you dont have a life. thats ok cuz i have one and thats all that matters. see ya later haha I feel sorry for you people cuz u suck. sorry to break it to you. o wait no im not! and im offended that your calling me dumb when i have a 4.0 and im one of the most fit girls in my grade. but what ever. thats your problem that you dont have a life. thats ok cuz i have one and thats all that matters. see ya later
haha

]]> By: mandy http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-33611 mandy Thu, 30 Aug 2007 03:22:02 +0000 http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-33611 do u not relise that there is competitive cheer which doesn't even cheer for any sport? wow do some research guys while ur at it get a life do u not relise that there is competitive cheer which doesn’t even cheer for any sport?
wow do some research guys

while ur at it get a life

]]> By: Midnight http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-33648 Midnight Thu, 30 Aug 2007 12:41:52 +0000 http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-33648 Mandy, thank you for providing evidence to support my claims. Next time try to get them all into one comment, though. You might even want to try throwing in a dash of commas and capital letters, 4.0. Mandy, thank you for providing evidence to support my claims. Next time try to get them all into one comment, though. You might even want to try throwing in a dash of commas and capital letters, 4.0.

]]> By: Ross http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-33657 Ross Thu, 30 Aug 2007 14:46:53 +0000 http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-33657 Now I know why they call you "Jar Head". Why don't you write about Jar Heads? r/ Father of a Cheerleader. Now I know why they call you “Jar Head”. Why don’t you write about Jar Heads? r/
Father of a Cheerleader.

]]> By: Midnight http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-33658 Midnight Thu, 30 Aug 2007 14:53:18 +0000 http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-33658 I'm hurt, Ross. Does this mean we're not friends? I’m hurt, Ross. Does this mean we’re not friends?

]]> By: D15AV0W3D http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-33674 D15AV0W3D Thu, 30 Aug 2007 17:26:13 +0000 http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-33674 How funny are these replies from cheerleaders?! Even got one from a "father of a cheerleader" (poor bastard). The ironic thing here is that they accuse you of having too much time on your hands, citing the reason that you made a blog on YOUR OWN WEBSITE about cheerleading, while remaining completely ignorant of the fact that it takes even more time to actually do a search for websites other than your own, visit said website, and respond with comments. While it's easy to hide my distaste for cheerleading, and general lack of interest in those who partake in it, it's hard to contain my disdain for those who make derogatory comments directed at the military. Ross, I really doubt you have the cojones to cut it in the marines. But you shouldn't let that discourage you. Someone has to stay home and raise cheerleaders so the rest of us have amusement, and something to look at during halftime shows... How funny are these replies from cheerleaders?! Even got one from a “father of a cheerleader” (poor bastard). The ironic thing here is that they accuse you of having too much time on your hands, citing the reason that you made a blog on YOUR OWN WEBSITE about cheerleading, while remaining completely ignorant of the fact that it takes even more time to actually do a search for websites other than your own, visit said website, and respond with comments.

While it’s easy to hide my distaste for cheerleading, and general lack of interest in those who partake in it, it’s hard to contain my disdain for those who make derogatory comments directed at the military. Ross, I really doubt you have the cojones to cut it in the marines. But you shouldn’t let that discourage you. Someone has to stay home and raise cheerleaders so the rest of us have amusement, and something to look at during halftime shows…

]]> By: Midnight http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-33675 Midnight Thu, 30 Aug 2007 17:49:42 +0000 http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-33675 Disavowed, good points. I too have often wondered about the logic of comments that allege "You have way too much time on your hand for writing this." Well what the hell are you doing reading it? It's always easier to attack character rather than content. Anyone can say any witty comment they want about me and there's essentially no way to fact-check it. However, if they were to discuss the issue intelligently, well, they probably wouldn't be cheerleaders. Disavowed, good points. I too have often wondered about the logic of comments that allege “You have way too much time on your hand for writing this.” Well what the hell are you doing reading it?

It’s always easier to attack character rather than content. Anyone can say any witty comment they want about me and there’s essentially no way to fact-check it. However, if they were to discuss the issue intelligently, well, they probably wouldn’t be cheerleaders.

]]> By: Rayne350Z http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-33678 Rayne350Z Thu, 30 Aug 2007 18:39:09 +0000 http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-33678 "It evolves physics and biology" I really, really, really want to know how cheerleading accomplishes these particular feats...... “It evolves physics and biology”
I really, really, really want to know how cheerleading accomplishes these particular feats……

]]> By: mandy http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-34409 mandy Thu, 06 Sep 2007 02:28:11 +0000 http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-34409 uhm if u really want to know why it contains physics and biology I'll type out my whole project on it for you. maybe then you unpopular loosers will be satisfied. get a life!!!!!!! o sorry i gotta go now i have cheer practice for three hours. see ya have fun with your life that has nothing in it!! love a cheerleader uhm if u really want to know why it contains physics and biology I’ll type out my whole project on it for you. maybe then you unpopular loosers will be satisfied. get a life!!!!!!! o sorry i gotta go now i have cheer practice for three hours. see ya have fun with your life that has nothing in it!!

love
a cheerleader

]]> By: Midnight http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-34464 Midnight Thu, 06 Sep 2007 12:43:35 +0000 http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-34464 Mandy, in yet another example of you providing evidence of the average intelligence (or lack thereof) of a cheerleader, you were first too bloody stupid to use the word "involves" instead of "evolves" and next you were too bloody stupid to pick up on Rayne's pun, because if cheerleading really does "evolve" (not "involve" as you meant, but were incapable of mentally producing) physics and biology then a lot of anthropologists, zoologists, and physicists will be interested in what you have to say about it. P.S. After high school there are no unpopular losers, just people. Mandy, in yet another example of you providing evidence of the average intelligence (or lack thereof) of a cheerleader, you were first too bloody stupid to use the word “involves” instead of “evolves” and next you were too bloody stupid to pick up on Rayne’s pun, because if cheerleading really does “evolve” (not “involve” as you meant, but were incapable of mentally producing) physics and biology then a lot of anthropologists, zoologists, and physicists will be interested in what you have to say about it.

P.S. After high school there are no unpopular losers, just people.

]]> By: cathayy http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-34689 cathayy Sat, 08 Sep 2007 06:02:21 +0000 http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-34689 uhm okay basically i need you to go and take a 115 pound person and lift them up in the air without dropping that. and once you do that [which you wont] because you cant. try tossing them then catching them. and when i say tossing i mean HIGH. ohh and then once you master that [ whick you wont] do a flip. after that do a double flip. ohh once you do that add a twist. then a roundoff. in the end i want you to do all of that. THEN get some more people and throw them and stack them up. ohh then make up a dance routine and start to sprint as hard as you can and flip your body in crazy ways. kk? then once you do that put it all together and make a 5 minute routine. after you do that perform it in front of HUNDREDS of people. k. when you do all of that you make sure to tell me that the sport is pointless, and if you do i give you all the rights to make fun of cheerleaders. but i GUARANTEE that you will NOT succedd k? so go read some stupid harry potter and cut yourself because you have nothing better to do with your life. at least us cheerleaders have strength and skill. unlike you fat couch potatoes...maybe you cant even see that there are popular people because you are just to ugly to notice the cool people around town. uhm okay basically i need you to go and take a 115 pound person and lift them up in the air without dropping that. and once you do that [which you wont] because you cant. try tossing them then catching them. and when i say tossing i mean HIGH. ohh and then once you master that [ whick you wont] do a flip. after that do a double flip. ohh once you do that add a twist. then a roundoff. in the end i want you to do all of that. THEN get some more people and throw them and stack them up. ohh then make up a dance routine and start to sprint as hard as you can and flip your body in crazy ways. kk? then once you do that put it all together and make a 5 minute routine. after you do that perform it in front of HUNDREDS of people. k. when you do all of that you make sure to tell me that the sport is pointless, and if you do i give you all the rights to make fun of cheerleaders. but i GUARANTEE that you will NOT succedd k? so go read some stupid harry potter and cut yourself because you have nothing better to do with your life. at least us cheerleaders have strength and skill. unlike you fat couch potatoes…maybe you cant even see that there are popular people because you are just to ugly to notice the cool people around town.

]]> By: Firetire http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-36418 Firetire Sat, 22 Sep 2007 16:27:35 +0000 http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-36418 Hey midnight, interesting point you come across with, but a few things i would like to clarify for you... your point of view obviously indicates a very personalized opinion with maybe not such a great understanding of what you are talking about. Cheerleading does seem pointless and yeah sure maybe it is though some may also argue running a ball from one line to the other is pointless aswell. Truth be told theres a sense of accomplishment when you do anything well, be it doing well in football, doing a perfect routine in cheerleading or succesfully getting your men home from a mission. And where ever you get that sense of accomplishment from ...well thats where youll get it from right? So to each their own, if you dont understand cheerleading well dont start hating on it. Male cheerleaders have strong cores and a whole hell of a lot of flexibility, i dont care how much calisthenics you do each morning, you throw me a double back and hold up two girls in ext libs and then tell me it was easy. Your not the only guy who's finished a tour with the marines. Thing is you want to stereotype ...thats your thing this is your blog you up yourself as much as you want, but maybe try not to display your ignorance too much its your own deficit. Hey midnight,
interesting point you come across with, but a few things i would like to clarify for you… your point of view obviously indicates a very personalized opinion with maybe not such a great understanding of what you are talking about.

Cheerleading does seem pointless and yeah sure maybe it is though some may also argue running a ball from one line to the other is pointless aswell.

Truth be told theres a sense of accomplishment when you do anything well, be it doing well in football, doing a perfect routine in cheerleading or succesfully getting your men home from a mission.
And where ever you get that sense of accomplishment from …well thats where youll get it from right?
So to each their own, if you dont understand cheerleading well dont start hating on it.
Male cheerleaders have strong cores and a whole hell of a lot of flexibility, i dont care how much calisthenics you do each morning, you throw me a double back and hold up two girls in ext libs and then tell me it was easy.
Your not the only guy who’s finished a tour with the marines.

Thing is you want to stereotype …thats your thing this is your blog you up yourself as much as you want, but maybe try not to display your ignorance too much its your own deficit.

]]> By: Liz http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-37355 Liz Sat, 29 Sep 2007 05:41:39 +0000 http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-37355 My friend's high school aged daughter explained it quite simply. She is working very hard on the basketball team and said she would rather work hard and not make the team than be a cheerleader who doesn't play at all. Better to be the one cheered for than the one doing the cheering. My friend’s high school aged daughter explained it quite simply. She is working very hard on the basketball team and said she would rather work hard and not make the team than be a cheerleader who doesn’t play at all. Better to be the one cheered for than the one doing the cheering.

]]> By: Gerrit http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-37804 Gerrit Wed, 03 Oct 2007 14:39:50 +0000 http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-37804 Jeff, I must say I just love your ironic and thoughtful way of writing. Accidentially stumbling on your blog article on the NY Times, I think this blog here will be the first ever to make it into my "favorites". While amazed at how much anger an article like this one can arouse in certain of our fellow citizens (it's a free society people, not everyone has to like cheerleading), I also liked the laid-back ironic way you responded. Exception: Your reply to Mandy, #38, would've been just fine without the personal "bloody stupid". Also, nice to know there's people with brains in the Corps. :-) Read you later, Gerrit Jeff, I must say I just love your ironic and thoughtful way of writing. Accidentially stumbling on your blog article on the NY Times, I think this blog here will be the first ever to make it into my “favorites”.

While amazed at how much anger an article like this one can arouse in certain of our fellow citizens (it’s a free society people, not everyone has to like cheerleading), I also liked the laid-back ironic way you responded.

Exception: Your reply to Mandy, #38, would’ve been just fine without the personal “bloody stupid”.

Also, nice to know there’s people with brains in the Corps. :-)

Read you later,
Gerrit

]]> By: Jenni http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-41795 Jenni Thu, 01 Nov 2007 19:48:10 +0000 http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-41795 Well, although I do find this humorous, I know there are loads more useless and mindless sports. I mean, like softball, and footbal, hell, even soccer's a useless sport. Hahaha seriously, and in all reality, most people don't understand what they can't do anyways. So I assume you've actually tried this "useless" sport before knocking it? P.S. Never known professional or other cheerleaders with kids...not so much no. I also know way more non cheerleaders and non-athletes that weigh over 180, is that you by any chance??? Besides, none of the coaches I've ever met weigh near that amt. and I live in the cheer capital of America. Well, although I do find this humorous, I know there are loads more useless and mindless sports. I mean, like softball, and footbal, hell, even soccer’s a useless sport. Hahaha seriously, and in all reality, most people don’t understand what they can’t do anyways. So I assume you’ve actually tried this “useless” sport before knocking it? P.S. Never known professional or other cheerleaders with kids…not so much no. I also know way more non cheerleaders and non-athletes that weigh over 180, is that you by any chance??? Besides, none of the coaches I’ve ever met weigh near that amt. and I live in the cheer capital of America.

]]> By: Kaylynn http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-45654 Kaylynn Tue, 04 Dec 2007 16:42:17 +0000 http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-45654 Hmmmm...All of you that commented this and whoever wrote this are low-life couch potatoes and are humongous and disgusting. Your just jealous of our athletic ability, and until you try to cheerlead....how about you shut your jacked up jaw and then when you look like shit doing what we do best then you can go to your little rock concert and get trampled by the dirty fans. K so peace bitches :) Hmmmm…All of you that commented this and whoever wrote this are low-life couch potatoes and are humongous and disgusting. Your just jealous of our athletic ability, and until you try to cheerlead….how about you shut your jacked up jaw and then when you look like shit doing what we do best then you can go to your little rock concert and get trampled by the dirty fans. K so peace bitches :)

]]> By: Dawn http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-50770 Dawn Thu, 24 Jan 2008 02:26:04 +0000 http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/2007/06/25/the-futility-of-cheerleading/#comment-50770 Midnight - I actually found your blog while searching for info on a cheer for my 5th & 6th grade cheerleaders. Yes, I am a cheerleading coach and, it must be said, I don't weigh even close to 180lbs. But my weight is hardly why I chose to comment. I find cheerleading to be a great sport - it does require skill, technical knowledge, athletic ability and stamina. I think if you were staging a debate about the merits of cheerleading, you may score a few points. But the comments about lack of intelligence and other stereotypical remarks belittles you. There certainly is a reason for stereotypes, I understand, in fact, a respondent to your blog makes this point quite well. Often however, especially in the case of middle school cheerleaders, they are not making a vocation out of it, they are learning about team sports, commitment, good sportsmanship and physical activity. I instruct my girls that in fact their sport is harder than the teams we cheer for as they are hardly ever acknowledged and when they do a good job as a team, I am most likely the only one who notices. But does it defeat them? Hardly - they are energized and enthusiastic and ready to get out there for the next game. It certainly doesn't stop the kid sisters from lining up behind their big sisters to learn the cheers and telling me they can't wait to be a cheerleader. And, honestly, what is so wrong with that? Must it be an activity that has some underlying goodness, can it not be enjoyed for the sheer joy of cheering for your team and your school? Can you find the reason for basketball? What do middle school kids take away from that? Are they all going to be the next Michael Jordan? How about wrestling? Need I even go there? And for the record, as captain of my cheerleading squad in high school for three years, I managed to get through A.P. math and English, graduate 12th in my class of 300, go on to the college of my choice (where I elected not to cheer but rather tried several new experiences) and after working for years as a statistical analysis for process improvement, started my own consulting firm where I am the currently the president assisting small businesses in tactical and strategic planning. Please do not labor under the misapprehension that all cheerleaders are stupid. Midnight -
I actually found your blog while searching for info on a cheer for my 5th & 6th grade cheerleaders. Yes, I am a cheerleading coach and, it must be said, I don’t weigh even close to 180lbs. But my weight is hardly why I chose to comment.

I find cheerleading to be a great sport - it does require skill, technical knowledge, athletic ability and stamina. I think if you were staging a debate about the merits of cheerleading, you may score a few points. But the comments about lack of intelligence and other stereotypical remarks belittles you. There certainly is a reason for stereotypes, I understand, in fact, a respondent to your blog makes this point quite well. Often however, especially in the case of middle school cheerleaders, they are not making a vocation out of it, they are learning about team sports, commitment, good sportsmanship and physical activity. I instruct my girls that in fact their sport is harder than the teams we cheer for as they are hardly ever acknowledged and when they do a good job as a team, I am most likely the only one who notices. But does it defeat them? Hardly - they are energized and enthusiastic and ready to get out there for the next game. It certainly doesn’t stop the kid sisters from lining up behind their big sisters to learn the cheers and telling me they can’t wait to be a cheerleader. And, honestly, what is so wrong with that? Must it be an activity that has some underlying goodness, can it not be enjoyed for the sheer joy of cheering for your team and your school? Can you find the reason for basketball? What do middle school kids take away from that? Are they all going to be the next Michael Jordan? How about wrestling? Need I even go there?

And for the record, as captain of my cheerleading squad in high school for three years, I managed to get through A.P. math and English, graduate 12th in my class of 300, go on to the college of my choice (where I elected not to cheer but rather tried several new experiences) and after working for years as a statistical analysis for process improvement, started my own consulting firm where I am the currently the president assisting small businesses in tactical and strategic planning. Please do not labor under the misapprehension that all cheerleaders are stupid.

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