In a time when national security and terrorism has left us feeling
vulnerable, with Twitter hacks, and the soon-to-be circulation of what looks
like monopoly money – CBS Houston did us all a service (SARCASM) by bringing
forward the question that is truly on all of our minds: “Is This Girl Too
Chunky to be an OKC Thunder Cheerleader?”
CBS Houston published an article of this title on their
website – byline not included. The article was “not trying to be ugly” – it was
“just discussing what men like in women, specifically NBA cheerleaders.”
In the article which has since been removed from the
website, two photos of an OKC cheerleader were included – one shows the woman
performing, and the other is an individual crop of the Thunder dancers’ team
photo. In the photo of her performing – the CBS commentators eloquently and
tastefully point out that “this pretty blond has been criticized for having ‘pudginess’
around her waistline.” In a sentiment of empowerment, they add – ‘but if she’s
comfortable wearing that tiny outfit and dancing for NBA fans, then good for
her.”
Not only was this article published by a CBS affiliate for
readers to enjoy, (not a site where objectifying articles are available in
daily dose i.e. Barstool, The Chive), but it came with an interactive component
as well! After all, what’s belittlement and projected low self-worth without a
survey:
The choice of this woman to perform as a dancer puts forward
by some that by dancing in “this way” and in “this venue” she has given consent
for physically criticism; that as a public figure, we as “the public” are
entitled to cast judgment on her and her body.
Commentary in the article then puts forwards the notion that
some ambiguous men, somewhere out there
may not see this as an issue:
“Besides… not every man likes women to be toothpick skinny.
In face, I’d say most men prefer a little extra meat on her bones. Am I right?
What do you think? Is this chick ‘too chunk’ to be a cheerleader?”
In light of everything else that is wrong with this article
– I have to ask: What more do you want? Is it really “extra meat"? Or is it
just “meat” – it is just a natural physical composition and development of a –
dare I say, awesome - female body?
Through this woman’s dance career she has undoubtedly been criticized – for showmanship, skill-set, and performance –
measurable, tangible notions that can be compared from one to the next. But
when will it stop? When will I be able to stop comparing my body to hers, and
her to another? Not on ability or movement, but shape, and size?
This idiotic article touches on one of the most deeply rooted and relevant “female-issues;” our self-worth. The ability of
women – not just cheerleaders or dancers – to have a true love and appreciation
for the abilities and capabilities of their bodies is engendered by our social
construction. A construction that this article truly epitomizes.
When this beautiful blonde cheerleader is the target of an
attack, it leaves “normal women” like me to ask: is anybody safe? Is any body
safe?
We have to be a part of the change in social commentary. To affirm the bodies and capabilities of others we must first learn to do it to and for ourselves.
