No story brings home the reality of American civilization in decline as much as this one from the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram. As I'm sure you're all aware, America has dominated in cheer since the 1950's. And I bet that a lot of us assumed we would continue to lead the world in this arena for decades to come.
But anyone who's been following the world of cheerleading knows that Americans are starting to fall behind. Countries like South Korea and Belgian are making fantastic strides and will soon outpace us in team spirit if we're not careful. So it's troubling to read about parents in Texas raising a stink when their non-handstanding daughters don't make the squad.
Some of those parents were upset because two students whose scores would not have qualified them for the team were among the original 14. District officials say the scoring rules were unclear. Those parents also say that the scoring appeared to become more lenient toward the end of the tryout session, possibly to ensure that Carroll had enough students for a squad.
In essence, when parents complained that their daughters didn't make the squad, the district caved into pressure and allowed less-qualified cheerleaders on the team. This is a travesty. When these girls go out into the real world, they're going to learn that there are plenty of cheerleaders in India who can outperform them, and for a lot less. We will have lost our competitive edge.
I hope and pray that this doesn't happen. But if young girls have a sense of entitlement to positions on cheerleading squads, we're all going to have a rude awakening.
6 comments:
At first I thought we had a pom-pom gap that placed every American at risk. But I see now the only gap is between our ears.
If all educators in this country had decent training, backbone and the full support of administrators and politicians, parents would get the message and wouldn’t have the opportunity to impart such a poor lesson to kids. Whine loudly enough and you can get anything your way. Now.
After the justices rule on that frivolous Anna Nicole Smith case I can’t wait to see which way the new court will lean on this issue.
I’m going to pitch everything, move to Venice and buy a gondola. Laura, you’re invited to lunch on my terrace anytime.
I think the cheerleaders need to be more aggressive.
B-E aggressive
B-E
A-G-G
R-E-S-S-I-V-E
When it comes time for Chik-Fil-A competition the weak ones will get kicked off anyway. The midwest sure is big on the cheerleading competitions.
I guess the East German cheerleaders are no longer a threat. I wish this was an Olympic sport. Winter preferred so there's something other than Hockey to watch.
I've got spirit, yes I do. I've got spirit, how about you?!
P.S. You will work for us after graduation. :P
Tis better to have too few girls to make a squad than have a squad full of fat chicks with glasses.
Follow the money.
The parents spend a huge sums on special camps and tutoring. They have to constantly shell out for hair, makeup, costumes, etc. To top it off that doesn't take into account the amount of time spent shuttling the girls from one place to another.
With so much invested the parents NEED someway to show it was all worth it.
Just think. If they put as much effort in math and science as the do in cheerleading Texas might have an education system that doesn't think the Sun revolves around the Earth.
When it comes down to it, Team Spirit is really all that separates us from the animals. Well, that and opposable thumbs.
Off topic:
Looks like your pal and mine Henry will be at SXSW.
http://2006.sxsw.com/film/conference/panels/schedule/?action=show&id=FP060053
Post a Comment