Stereotypes

When you hear the word "cheerleaders" what characteristics come to mind? I bet a few are: ditzy, petite girls who flirt with jocks and who think that the world revolves around them. Well, you're wrong! Most people who stereotype individuals or place them into "categories" are ignorant and they seem to have an urge to label people.

Cheerleaders are athletes who "work out, they lift weights, they sweat, they get injured, they practice and they perform.(Ninemire, "Stop the Stereotyping of Cheerleaders")." Cheerleaders "stick together" most of the time because they practice and perform with each other on a daily basis. They practice together after school, attend games as a team and participate in fundraising/booster events as a team. How is a cheerleading squad any different from a football team? Athletes share a special love for their sport and develop bonds/friendships with the members on their teams. People shouldn't judge or categorize people if they don't know them and it is important to break these molds.

In order to prevent further stereotyping educating individuals may be the first step. People underestimate the abilities of cheerleaders and it is important to show others what they may be passionate about. Many people don't know, but you have to maintain a certain GPA in order to be kept on the squad. It may take time for people to fully understand the world of cheerleading but a lot has changed since the beginning of the cheerleading world.