Desi Manifesto Blog: The Forum for South Asian American Men

In old uncle’s chiding voice, as he is unable to avert his eyes from
the TV: “All these bloody Western values!”

[Blogger: S.I.] Somehow, a degree of Westernization my feeble mind never grasped was the concept of cheerleaders in India. Not even the idea that it probably wouldn’t work. This was so far from the realm of possibility that it never occurred to me, period.

Well, it’s happening, and the Washington Redskins appear quite proud of it, sending their spirit squad to Indian cricket matches. While there are plenty of Indians in DC, the ‘Skins would prefer to take their ‘world vision’ to the subcontinent. I guess they decided to cover both sets of Indians, one with their team name and the other on this goodwill trip that most likely will become a disaster, international incident, or both (just look at the faces of the men in the crowd, and thanks to the Washington Post for the pic). Of course, the ‘Skins have partnered with the Indian Premier League, so the idea wasn’t their brilliance alone.

Do they have any idea what they’re in for? I feel like you have to give any visitors from Western countries an intense three month course on what to expect when you go to India, bad and good. Doubly so when the visitors are female.

But what effect will this recruiting trip have on India and her young women?

I grimace at the possible outcomes. And most of them make me want to jeer, rather than swell up with a scantily dressed sense of pride.

That last sentence perhaps made you think I’m some sort of macho chauvinist all-too-typical Indian guy. Or maybe it was the name of this blog.

In fact, I’m quite the opposite. My home was ruled socially and economically by smart and strong women, and I think it was a boon. And I don’t live in a bubble. Many women in India, especially those who are urban, dress and act exactly like their Western counterparts, even sharing the same values. Not all women roam around in saris all day with their hair in a single long braid.

I wish that Indian society would understand that women are equal to men (and in my opinion, more important than men on the whole because they can instigate change via children, who naturally adhere to mothers). You could say that many oppressive cultures think women are important, and that’s why they should be controlled, strictly disciplined, and morally responsible for every action they take (and even those they don’t take) and the repercussions.

To me, that’s nonsense. Women in any society, do/wear/date whatever you want. It’s no one’s business to regulate that.

End wonderful disclaimer.

So, why do I cringe at the notion of cheerleaders?

Well, let me ask the readers: how do cheerleaders actually help the position of women? Even in the US, one of the countries where women are treated more fairly than much of the world, what are your thoughts on cheerleaders? Dumb? Ditzy? Greedy for attention? Sluts? Sex symbols? Failed actresses? Eye candy for men’s entertainment? Yearning for some kind of validation in life?

Some of those assumptions are right, and some are wrong. I base this on the excellent GQ article on the Cincinnati Bengals cheerleading squad (by the way, wouldn’t the Bengals have been the more appropriate team to go to India and visit their namesakes?).

I believe that a sense of empowerment may arise from the sexual freedom women could feel as cheerleaders. To be lauded for their sexuality rather than chastised for it. And to be in control of their sexuality. Even though they would be told what to wear, they choose to wear it. Stared at because they wish to be stared at. To be appreciated as women on a level that’s all-too-unfamiliar to some. A woman should never feel ashamed simply for being a woman. And in many parts of India, she does.

But how does that sexuality advance women? Bollywood films, with the swaying of hips and heaving bosoms, have underlined the feminine qualities of women for decades. As these films become more risque, music videos and media have edged closer to Western ’standards’ of decency when it comes to portraying sexuality and women thrusting their bodies upon a willing audience. I’ve yet to hear anyone sing the praises of this type of entertainment as another step forward for women.

I think women’s sexuality should be up to them. But I don’t think the defining quality of women should be their sexuality. With a cheerleader, what other quality is expressed? Zest and zeal, moxie and pizazz? Or a penchant for go-go boots? Perhaps this could assist the most beautiful of women, but what about those lacking the outward looks to make the cut? Would they now bear an additional burden by being unattractive (at least, more of one than they already do)?

Clearly, nothing I say here can cover all the cases. As the Washington Post article above mentions, the opposing team had cheerleaders of both sexes who were dressed in more modest uniforms. Maybe it was about the spirit and not the sex, and that sounds progressive. And I’m not saying cheerleading makes anyone stupid, and I’m not saying smart women never lead cheers. Being a cheerleader in no way reveals anything about who a woman is.

But what about the perception of those watching, the heaps upon heaps of viewers and fans who never will know the women wearing the tube tops and boy shorts? Look again at the faces of those rabid men restrained by the cage as the Redskins cheerleaders perform. Is that really what Indian women want? Is that really going to help anyone?

As usual, do what you want, potential cheerleaders. You’re not directly hurting anyone. I don’t think Indian society is advanced enough in terms of women’s stature to withhold judgment for your choice of profession or hobby. But it’s your choice, and that’s the point.

The bottom line question for me, however, is this: if I had a daughter (or a son), would I want my child to be judged in life solely by looks, sexual appeal, and physical aspects? Whether ugly or beautiful, is this something to encourage?

Would I want my daughter to be a cheerleader?

Gimme a Hell! Gimme a No! (Thanks UberDesi.)

Readers, please respond. This seems to be a topic that will incite much debate (i.e., S.I. gets skewered).