July 8, Rhonda Garelick, distinguished professor of English and Journalism at SMU Dallas, for a piece about the deep contradictions that come with highlighting the Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders. Published in Garelick’s New York Times ‘Face Forward’ column under the heading The Cheerleader Trap: https://tinyurl.com/myskajde
When the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders sashay onto the field, hair flying and pompoms fluttering, the stands erupt in thunderous roars. Fans know they’re about to witness a spectacle every bit as thrilling and athletic as the football game they’ve been watching.
Like the pro team they represent, the cheerleaders are elite athletes at the top of their profession, enduring grueling hours of training and pushing through pain and injuries. Like the players, they make promotional appearances, sign autographs, participate in photo shoots and do community outreach.