Cheerleading is done in competitions as well as at games, I know. However, it originates as a way to keep the troops entertained during sports games all the same. I have no doubt that it takes great skill. OTOH, that is not really an argument for it as far as I am concerned. Stripping also takes skill, I am sure.
I remember "duck-and-cover" drills in school and the testing of the town air raid siren. And those awful safety slides and black-and-white films put out by the government to be shown in schools. I remember the Cuban Crisis, the Watts riots, Chicago Seven, the Patty Hearst trial. I tell you the 50's and 60's were not safe decades to raise children in. (Sarcasm intended)
I also live in a extremly safe community with low crime. I too know the sheriff, the mayor, the cheif of police, amongst others. That does not give me the go ahead to leave a 10 year old home alone.
In fact, ballerinas were considered not much better than prostitutes till not so long ago. Getting the crowd excited, yes, but part of that was getting them excited in a different sense, otherwise why the ridiculous costumes, and why all the girls? (Yes, I know that boys cheerlead too).
In any event, I am not trying to convince you that cheerleading is evil, that was not my point at all. The point to me is that kids need a peer group and a community in order to grow up to be independent, well-rounded people. If my community was such that I really did not feel comfortable about letting my kids be around the nighbors, move around on their own and participate in most normal activities of the community, I would consider it my responsibility to move elsewhere OR somehow come to terms with my community and its standards.
I have seen HS pom-pom dances. I used to live in the US. I would not be comfortable with my dd doing that, what can I say? I might still let her do it (although more likely I would find a way not to sign her up), but I would NOT be a happy camper.
As far as the Dallas Squad, I realize that they are adults. Figure skating is quite different to me, I have never come across an equivalent of the Dallas Squad in figure skating, nor in gymnastics or any other sport practiced by kids. Only in cheerleading. If my kid were into that sort of acrobatics, I would sign her up for gymnastics or ballet (although those have their problems too) sooner than for cheerleading.
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I remember "duck-and-cover" drills in school and the testing of the town air raid siren. And those awful safety slides and black-and-white films put out by the government to be shown in schools. I remember the Cuban Crisis, the Watts riots, Chicago Seven, the Patty Hearst trial. I tell you the 50's and 60's were not safe decades to raise children in. (Sarcasm intended)
Chris
The truth may be out there but lies are in your head. Terry Pratchett
That is a misconception.
In fact, ballerinas were considered not much better than prostitutes till not so long ago. Getting the crowd excited, yes, but part of that was getting them excited in a different sense, otherwise why the ridiculous costumes, and why all the girls? (Yes, I know that boys cheerlead too).
In any event, I am not trying to convince you that cheerleading is evil, that was not my point at all. The point to me is that kids need a peer group and a community in order to grow up to be independent, well-rounded people. If my community was such that I really did not feel comfortable about letting my kids be around the nighbors, move around on their own and participate in most normal activities of the community, I would consider it my responsibility to move elsewhere OR somehow come to terms with my community and its standards.
Oh geesh. Comparing stripping to cheerleading?
That's like comparing "The Break-Up" to "Debbie Does Dallas"; after all, they're both movies, they both serve the purpose of entertaining people.
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That you know of.
I have seen HS pom-pom dances. I used to live in the US. I would not be comfortable with my dd doing that, what can I say? I might still let her do it (although more likely I would find a way not to sign her up), but I would NOT be a happy camper.
As far as the Dallas Squad, I realize that they are adults. Figure skating is quite different to me, I have never come across an equivalent of the Dallas Squad in figure skating, nor in gymnastics or any other sport practiced by kids. Only in cheerleading. If my kid were into that sort of acrobatics, I would sign her up for gymnastics or ballet (although those have their problems too) sooner than for cheerleading.
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