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Family spotlight: Vikings cheerleaders show

Article by: MELISSA WALKER , Star Tribune
Updated: November 3, 2012 - 3:45 PM

CHEERS!

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hippiemom42Nov. 3, 12 5:07 PM

Really? A cheerleaders' show is considered family fare? Just how is this a positive experience for children? Teach boys that ogling scantily clad women is a socially accepted activity? Teach girls that boys get to grow up into the important roles, such as football hero, but the best that girls can hope to aspire to is a supportive role as eye candy? Many people might be unable to see the link, but it is there. The mindset that can see cheerleaders as wholesome entertainment is little different from one that perpetuates keeping women in a subservient role.

sachmnNov. 8, 12 1:14 AM

Well, you could take the role of a parent and talk to your children, of either gender, about what you think the role of these women is. You could tell them that entertainment does not necessarily mimic real life. You could tell them that despite the show of skin, these women are (or possibly are) strong, independent, individuals who engage in cheerleading because of their love of dance or the athleticism of it. You could tell them that no matter what THEY choose to do as individuals, they cannot control the thoughts of others (let's be frank here, males do not need to see skin to have less than pure thoughts of women) but they also do not have to entertain derogatory statements or poor treatment. Or you could just not go and avoid another chance to educate your children about tolerance and the many, many, many, walks of life and the varied people that live them.