Cheerleaders are finally fighting back and exposing the decade long unfair treatment they have experienced over time from the NFL.
According to Vanity Fair, these allegations have come into the light after marketing plans, created in the 1970’s, are created to, as they put it, “sell sex on the sidelines”. For many years cheerleaders have been exploited and manipulated in order to be more appealing to the male viewer. A former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, Debbie Kepley, states that when you are a cheerleader for the NFL, they own you. She also states that ” Even though they wanted you to be a representative of the Cowboys, you were still just an accessory—a sideline accessory. It’s like being a Miss America—you will do anything they say to be a part of all of the glitz, the glamour, the cameras, the excitement and hope. That’s where they take advantage of people”.
Allegations from cheerleaders across a number of NFL teams have surfaced bringing to light the terrible working conditions many of these women have been subjected to. Five former cheerleaders from the Redskins state that the team forced them to pose topless in front of fans in Costa Rica after confiscating their passports. Another cheerleader from the New Orleans Saints sued the team after she was wrongfully terminated for posting a picture on Instagram. Six former cheerleaders from the Houston Texans recently filed a federal sex discrimination suit against the team, stating that they were paid less than the states minimum wage. All while being body shamed from their coach.
These conditions are not only sexist and misogynistic but also a form of discrimination. These women have become role models to many young girls around the world and should be treated with more respect from the NFL. Comment down below what you think about the NFL’s terrible treatment towards its cheerleaders.
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