Are Cheerleaders Underpaid?

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   Stevennix2001posted 13 years ago

   To be quite honest, I think they are.  However, what do you think?  Are NFL cheerleaders grossly underpaid?  If so, then please say why?  If you think they're not underpaid, then please say why also.
   
   I just think they're underpaid because when you stop to look at all the exploitation and work they go through, it's hard to imagine that some of them aren't even making that much money on cheerleading.  After all, it seems kind of unfair that NFL teams will make a ton of money selling calendars of these same said girls, but the girls rarely reap those same benefits.

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      lady_love158posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      
      
      http://ask.yahoo.com/20030124.html
      
      They sure don't get paid much but what they do get is exposure (pardon the pun) and the opportunity for appearances elsewhere for pay and a chance to network and make connections in the entertainment industry. If they are exploited, it's because they want to be so I don't feel sorry for them.

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         Maddie Ruudposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Hmm, but that raises the question, why do they want to be?  Could it be because they were raised to think their only value is in their looks?  Could it be because that is where they get the most positive validation, from a society bent on objectifying women?
         
         (Of course it's not that cut-and-dry.  But I think these are important questions to consider.)

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         dutchman1951posted 13 years agoin reply to this

         When I worked in Dallas, our central Receptionist on our floor was a Cowboys Cheerleader.
         
         She told me she got 15.00 bucks a game, later it was changed to min. wage for the time they were there, and all expenses paid. She was full time for us and the Company granted her personal leave for all the Games. (un-paid time off)
         
         They had all kinds of rules, weight gain, dating, personnel contacts, training etc... She said they had to have permission to do personal appearances and had to report any pay received for activities away from the Stadium etc....
         
         seemed not worth it to me. So yea, probably way underpaid.
         
         Not sure now how they are paid now a days, I am sure it has changed sense Hank Stram passed away. Still hard on those Girls, I'd bet though.
         
         They choose to do it, want it in truth she said.

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            lady_love158posted 13 years agoin reply to this

            50 bucks a game according to the link to the website I posted.

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               dutchman1951posted 13 years agoin reply to this

               it was back in 78 when I worked there, so its good it improved for them.
               
               I know Stram was a Tyrant, and clamped down on contracts and such.
               
               People down town on the Central Express way side said he was hell on office personnel. According to folks at the time, it was said he supposedly had to be convinced that they, the Cheerleaders were a good idea, according to the Dallas Post.
               
               Later he appeared to really like it,  so who knows.

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            dutchman1951posted 13 years agoin reply to this

            I meant to say Merchison in the above post not Stram

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         Stevennix2001posted 13 years agoin reply to this

         that's true. that's definitely true.  however, they should definitely get paid more money though.  i mean 500 dollars a season really isn't much compared to all the work they have to put into it with practices and appearances.

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      angela_michelleposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Honestly, I've never really thought about it. But like any job, I figure they wouldn't do it, if they felt like they were not being compensated well enough. They should be getting paid for the calendars that get put out. I'm not sure if they do or not.

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   Maddie Ruudposted 13 years ago

   Your logic is flawed.  Instead of paying women more to exploit them, how about we just don't exploit them in the first place?

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      SirDentposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Agreed. 

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      Stevennix2001posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      yeah, but with all do respect, we both know we live in a society that promotes sex appeal. especially within the united states, AND it's already a proven fact statistically that MEN watch more sports and entertainment venues than women.  therefore, we both know the media and marketing for the nfl is going to do whatever they can to promote the product by any means necessary.  not saying i agree with it, as I think it's wrong to exploit women in any facet.   
      
      That's one of the main reasons why I don't have hubs that are all about showing who the hottest asian girls are, or who the hottest blondes are or whatever.  As I don't condone sexual exploitation of women.  Don't get me wrong, if another hubber wants to do that, then that's their business, but I won't do it.  Then again, a lot of the hubbers that do that often get a lot more traffic and money than i do from this site, so maybe I'm the guy in the wrong here.
      
      of course that's another reason why it kind of makes me sad that great actresses like Gabourey Sidibe, who I thought gave a great performance in "Precious" last year won't get as many parts for movies as a Milla Jovovich and Pamela Anderson.  Two actresses that are waaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyy over rated if you ask me.

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      alternate poetposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I would like to agree - but women seem to flock to be 'exploited' by themselves with little or no encouragement - in this case they seem content to follow draconian rules and get paid virtually nothing. There is a fine line between expoitation and self promotion maybe ?

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         Stevennix2001posted 13 years agoin reply to this

         hmm..thats an interesting analogy.  self promotion..i never thought of it that way before..

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   DoorMattnomoreposted 13 years ago

   I guess they choose the job so its up to them if they like the pay. I have no idea how much they get paid.

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   klarawieckposted 13 years ago

   If they want to be well-paid they need to get their priorities in order and study a career that, unlike mine, actually pays money. They do work hard, but for what??? So they can get an physical upgrade through plastic surgery, mingle with the high society top-notch artificial breed, and wave a few pom-poms in the air?! Pleeeeease! The whole reason why women are looked at as sex toys is because of women that try to make a career out of showing off their bodies.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   P.S. - Although the above commentary is true, I'm also very envious I don't look like them. lol

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      Stevennix2001posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      aw come on klara, i've seen your pic on your avatar a few times, and i think your every bit as pretty as those cheerleaders.  
      
      however, to get back to what you said though earlier in your statement, i think you are right.  it's hard to feel sorry for those type of women, as they choose to put themselves into careers that exploit them like that.

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         klarawieckposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Thank you Steve, but pictures are deceiving! I don't look anything like a cheerleader! lol
         

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            Stevennix2001posted 13 years agoin reply to this

            your right.  that picture probably doesn't do you justice.

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               klarawieckposted 13 years agoin reply to this

               

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   Mighty Momposted 13 years ago

   $50 a game is insulting. It would be better to do it as volunteer work. Or paid union entertainer wages!
   Whether or not you agree with the concept of pro football cheerleaders, they are a fact of life. As are basketball dancers. Not sure why MLB hasn't jumped on the bandwagon (but am glad they have not!).
   
   Sexist or not, they do provide entertainment value for the games.
   How often do you see the cameras pan in on one of the cheerleaders? A LOT.
   These cheerleaders are at least as valuable as players who are sitting there warming the bench. Knowing the ridiculously exorbitant amounts the players receive, I feel the cheerleaders --who definitely help make up the team's BRAND -- should be paid much more.

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      Stevennix2001posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      well said mighty mom.

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   Mighty Momposted 13 years ago

   Maybe they should get agents like Jerry Maguire.
   Or form a union.
   Unfortunately, there is a limited supply of cheerleader positions and more girls (hesitate to apply the word "women") willing to accept the terms and conditions.
   Ergo, there's really no incentive to change the status quo.-)

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      Stevennix2001posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      yeah, that's true.  plus, seeing as how the whole cheerleader concept is sexist to begin with, i wouldn't be the least bit surprised if there was an age limit on who could be a cheerleader as well.  After all, i know some jobs do descriminate against you once your past a certain age, so cheerleading might not be that much different to where they only hire and employ young girls.  young girls who probably wouldn't know any better.  at least, that's my take.

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   Mighty Momposted 13 years ago

   Guess I'm basically making the same point as Alternate Poet.
   Following draconian rules and getting paid virtually nothing.
   Gosh, who WOULDN'T want to be a pro football cheerleader!???

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   gracenotesposted 13 years ago

   I live in Dallas/Fort Worth.  The Cowboys were the cause of this cheerleader trend, no doubt.  Yes, the cheerleaders are way underpaid for their time.
   
   I personally knew someone who made it into the finals when she tried out to be a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader.  The girl didn't strike me as the type who'd be interested in that job, and she wasn't chosen.
   
   I have always felt the Cowboys cheerleaders took themselves too seriously.  The same thing for the Kilgore Rangerettes, although they're on a collegiate level.

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      dutchman1951posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Kilgore is more a college tradfition and Sororaties kind of thing, but I am told they leave there for higher asperations....

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   Mighty Momposted 13 years ago

   Absolutely! Young girls who believe there's cachet or status or whatever in being a "Cowboys Cheerleader."
   I don't want to stereotype here -- maybe some of them are studying to be astro(turf) physicists.
   Might make an interesting topic to research and hub about: "The psycho-social motivations of the pro football cheerleader."
   

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    Mighty Momposted 13 years ago

    The Kilgore Rangerettes! Now that's funny!!!
    I guess if you're going to be a cheerleader having a name like "Rangerette" makes it cooler

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    Stevennix2001posted 13 years ago

    what the heck is a rangerette?  sounds like a lame spin of power rangers. 

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       gracenotesposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Kilgore College in Kilgore, Texas.
       
       You've seen the Rangerettes before.  They specialize in high-kicking, sort of like the Rockettes.  Sometimes they've performed at the Macy's Thanksgiving parade.
       
       If there are Texas Rangers, it's only logical that someone would have invented the Rangerettes.

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          Stevennix2001posted 13 years agoin reply to this

          true.

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    Lifeallstar1posted 13 years ago

    One of my coaches cheered "professionally" and she received 50-100 bucks per game(She has a regular job plus she coached and cheered for fun basically). They are college graduates. Luckily they are smart enough not to do the crazy stunts we were doing because it is very risky and to work for basically no money and risk your health is not worth it(risking health for any amount is not worth it). Even though they don't do a ton of stunting and tumbling, they should be paid more. You do not just get picked because you're a pretty face. It's because they are extremely athletic and talented. However, once they hit the pro's they go backwards and do not stunt like they used to. I think the NFL and NBA see liability since it's not regulated strictly like football or basketball. They go back to basic sideline cheer which those cheerleaders were doing much more than that in college or all-stars. Cheer hasn't evolved properly and is held back at the pro level. I think it has to be until better regulations are in place so risk of injury is minimal.

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       Stevennix2001posted 13 years agoin reply to this

       well said.

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    Mighty Momposted 13 years ago

    It sounds very Texan, doesn't it?
    Rangerette.
    Or maybe a female Range Rover driver. Tee hee!
    
    I was a cheerleader in high school. We wore blue wool skirts (short but still mid thigh) and blue wool sweaters with white button down collared shirts underneath and saddle shoes.
    Even now I have a hard time adjusting to all the flesh and flash of today's immodest model!

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       gracenotesposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       What's silly to me is that the Cowboys cheerleader uniform is the same as always.  A throw-back to the 1970's.  I think Jerry Jones made them change the uniform to something more contemporary in the 90's, but too many men protested, I guess.  So they reverted to the old look.
       
       Hee.  This reminds me of being a baton twirler in high school.  We wore the silver eyelash uniforms that looked stunning under the stadium lights.  One time we tried to change it up by putting a black satin bow on the back, and our band director wouldn't have it.  He said it reminded him of a Playboy bunny girl. 

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    IntimatEvolutionposted 13 years ago

    Cheerleaders get paid?  Shoot I missed my calling then.  I've got a big mouth, and plenty of hustle.
    
    Just for note: The MU Tiger cheerleaders suck this year!  They have no spirit.  That's something money cannot buy unfortunately.

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       Stevennix2001posted 13 years agoin reply to this

       

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    Lifeallstar1posted 13 years ago

    Tough crowd!

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    Mishaposted 13 years ago

    Why cleaners are not paid more? Or nurses? Or skyscraper window washers? Supply and demand I guess.

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       klarawieckposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Misha, they need to pay teachers more money! lol

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