“The Dark reality of NFL Cheerleading” — Refinery29, 2018, 11:47 — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXuNg60WYM8

Contributed by Mary Scafidi, Cabrini University

This is a video essay about the dark reality of being an NFL cheerleader. These athletes deal with strict rules, sexism, and a huge pay gap. Unlike NFL players, the cheerleaders are subject to rigid image requirements. They have to deal with their personal lives being questioned and having regulations set on their activities outside of work. They are also only being paid about $100 a game and have to pay for all of their required expenses, such as hair, nails, and gym memberships. Moreover, they have to deal with fans who are only focused on their appearance, not about their actual athletic skills. Overall, they are not treated as professions, but rather as something that should look pretty while they are dancing on the field. We also learn that cheerleading lost its prestige as it was transformed from a masculine activity to a feminine activity in the early Twentieth century. Overall, the video speaks well to sexism in sports, the devaluation of the feminine, and unequal pay practices. How can sports organizations reform the way they treat cheerleaders?

From the video’s description: On this episode of Shady, our host, Lexy Lebsack explores the dark side of NFL cheerleading that is often left out of the spotlight. She speaks with former cheerleaders who share their stories of verbal abuse, discrimination, and exploitation all at the hands of the NFL. Watch this shocking episode of Shady to get an honest look into the dark reality of NFL cheer!