Ready? Ok! Jim McMullan from MTV's Made gives the scoop1 on the sport everyone loves to hate.
Why Are Cheerleaders Popular?
Although the short skirts probably grab all the guys' attention, the main reason cheerleaders are so popular is “they're very involved, outgoing and energetic,” says Jim. “Plus, there's an entertainment value. You're the star of the show and everyone's eyes are on you.” And why do cheerleaders seem so darn2 confident? “They get confidence by being in front of people and being the center of attention,” Jim adds. We know plenty of celebs who get a boost3 from being in the spotlight, too!
You Want to Be Popular. Should You Try Out4?
If you want to cheer just to gain popularity, consider this: “Girls who want to be popular should see that it is a sport and you can get hurt,” Jim says. “I just broke my nose at practice!” Plus, cheerleaders give up a lot of social activities for practice, which can be up to five days a week and three hours at a time! (That doesn't count competitions and school games.) So make sure you're willing to sacrifice Friday night parties before you try out!
What If You Don't Fit the Stereotype5?
No worries! Even President Bush was a cheerleader back in the day—so don't assume they're all just blonde Barbie dolls. “I have girls on my team who are total alternative rock fans and I also have complete girlie-girls who love Louis Vuitton and makeup,” Jim says. “I like the individuality because it gives the team an edge6 and personality.” Jim even has guys on his squad7. “When the crowd sees the guys come out, they love it!”
Is It All Fun in the Game?
Surprisingly, cheerleaders have to deal with criticism and self-doubt just like everyone else. “People say cheerleaders are airheads8, that they only care about dating guys and being popular,” Jim says. “People think they can be very cliquey9 and don't let outsiders in, which I know is false.” And not only do cheerleaders have to deal with haters, but they put tons of pressure on themselves. “The problems are mostly about weight and self-esteem10. They think they're not good enough.” Even worse, the moms can get more competitive than the girls! “Sometimes a mother will go up to a teammate and say, ‘You messed up11,’” Jim says. Yikes12, sound harsh!
Bottom Line13:
Forget the nasty14 stereotypes and misconceptions! Cheerleading can be a tough sport, but there's room for everyone (even you!). Remember—not everything is what you think!
准备好啦？好!来听听《音乐电视制造》的吉姆·麦克姆兰对这项人人又爱又恨的运动发表的独家之言。
为什么啦啦队员会受欢迎？
虽然超短裙可能吸引所有男人的目光，啦啦队员之所以如此受欢迎主要还是因为“她们非常投入、奔放而且有活力。”吉姆说，“再者，其中还有娱乐价值。她们是这场表演的明星，所有人的眼睛都注视着她们。”为什么啦啦队员们看起来如此自信？吉姆补充道：“她们自信是因为她们在众人之前，是众人瞩目的焦点。”我们知道许多名人也是在聚光灯下顿时精神大振的!
想受人瞩目，是否要尝试？
如果你加入啦啦队只是为了出名，那就要考虑一下吉姆的话了：“想出名的女孩要意识到这是一种运动，是会受伤的。我不久前就在训练时弄伤了鼻子!”而且，啦啦队员得放弃很多社交活动来参加训练，可能要达到每周五天，每次三小时!（这还不包括参加各种比赛以及学校运动会的时间。）因此确定你愿意牺牲周五晚的聚会之后再行动吧!
如果你不符合标准怎么办？
不用担心!连布什总统以前都是啦啦队员呢——所以呢，不要以为啦啦队员都是金发碧眼的芭比娃娃。吉姆说：“我的啦啦队里有些女孩是彻头彻尾的摇滚迷，也有些只爱路易·威登坤包和化妆打扮、女孩味十足的女孩子。我喜欢个性，因为这使我们的团队有优势、有特色。”吉姆的啦啦队里甚至有男生。“观众看到男生出场时，他们特别喜欢!”
这项运动尽是乐趣吗？
让人惊讶的是，和其他人一样，啦啦队员们也得面对批评和自我怀疑。“有人说啦啦队员都是些傻瓜，只知道和男生约会、出风头。”吉姆说，“人们以为啦啦队员会拉帮结派，不让外人加入。我知道这些都是误解。”啦啦队员不仅要应付不喜欢她们的人，她们还给自己施加了许多压力。“她们的问题主要在于体重和自尊心，总觉得自己不够好。”更糟的是，她们的妈妈可能比她们还要好强！吉姆告诉我们：“有时候有的妈妈会径直上前去对某个队员说‘你弄砸了!’”呀，听起来也太严厉了吧!
总而言之：
忘掉那些讨厌的成见和误解! 啦啦队表演是一项艰苦的运动，但人人都可以参加（即使是你!）。记住——并不是任何事都如你所想!
1. scoop n. 独家新闻
2. darn = damn adv. [口]非常，如此
3. boost n. 增加，提高
4. try out 试验
5. stereotype n. 陈规，旧框框
6. edge n. 优势
7. squad n. 班，分队
8. airhead 排他的
10. self-esteem n. 自尊, 自尊心
11. mess up 搞糟, 陷入困境
12. yikes [jaiks] int. <口>[表示惊讶]呀!
13. bottom line 概要
14. nasty adj. 令人厌恶的
15. booster n. 提高，增加
16. fall over 脸朝下跌倒
17. bummed adj. 失望，泄气
18. JV = Junior Varsity, 初级学院 （如二年制或三年制大学）
19. varsity =university
20. tumbler n. 打滚的人, 翻筋斗者
21. gig [gig] n. 短期表演