The summer time in Norman means schools out and cheer camps are in session. Girls from all over the state are at the University of Oklahoma for one reason, being to meet cheerleading expectation. As I was walking to work, I saw several groups determined to fit the stereotype of a cheerleader. One girl was upset about her weight and felt as though eating would just make the situation worse. The images these young girls want to portray are constantly thrown at them though the media. Cheerleaders are shown in the media as being popular, pretty and skinny. Most young girl seeks acceptance from their peers which cheerleading seems to fulfill. This could possibly result in unhealthy efforts to fit in with the crowd. Eating Disorder increase as young girls view cheerleader’s profile in the movies and television shows. I feel that the media should break away from the stereotypes of cheerleaders to promote the sport not based just on appearance.
Which came first? The media portrayals?
ReplyDeleteIn reading your post I feel that you are correct. I feel that the media focuses on the stereotypical cheerleader and if they began to shy away from that image peoples thoughts about cheerleaders may change. The stereotypical cheerleader in my mind is the blonde hair, skinny and orange from all the fake tanning. In response to the first comment I do not know which came first, the media portrayals or the stereotype. If I had to guess I would lean towards the media. They choose to focus on the cheerleader who is beautiful and looks good on camera. That in turn reflects the stereotypical image of a cheerleader and then the young girls who want to become cheerleaders try to fit that image. It is a chain reaction, if the media choose to focus on a plus size cheerleader that might influence younger plus size girls to try cheer and then stereotypes might change.
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