“He’s dumb,” “he’s feminine,” “he’s ditzy,” and “they’re snobs” – chances are you’ve probably heard them all. And those are just a few of the typical comments made about male cheerleaders. Why can’t an activity that is so full of hard work, determination and dedication get the respect it deserves? Why are all male cheerleaders lumped into a group with such unflattering traits? Will the stereotyping ever end?
“Cheerleading is not just about cheering. Cheerleaders are athletes. We workout, we lift weights, we sweat, we get injured, we practice and we perform. So, why do we have to constantly defend our sport and our masculinity?”, asks Robert Tilton, a professional Cheerleader for the Sacramento Sirens of the IWFL Women’s Tackle Football League. The Most Respected Women’s Tackle Football League in the world.
Tilton and several other cheerleaders from the IWFL believe they have found a way to stop the stereotyping
“Educate people”, Tilton says. “When you have an opportunity to explain what cheerleading is all about, use it wisely. Don’t get overly defensive. If the attack is about whether cheerleading is a sport and whether you’re an athlete, invite the person to a practice. Let them see firsthand what you do and how hard you work”.
Tilton warns “Of course, there will be some people who’ll never change their way of thinking. But that’s okay, as long as they respect your opinion and you respect them for theirs”. That’s sound advice for all of us…
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