Citation

Jane EA. Fem. Media Stud. 2017; 17(2): 264-280.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/14680777.2016.1187641

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Commonly depicted as a focus of universal heterosexual male desire, cheerleaders are a recurring theme in Western pornography and loom large in the pornographic imaginary. This article maps manifestations of cheerleading-themed pornography since the 1970s, and shows the way sexualized representations of cheerleading in pornography circulate alongside related representations in non-pornographic media domains. An analysis of these framings is then used to venture a claim about the possible impact of these combined depictions on the lived realities of cheerleaders. Specifically, I argue that discourse which sexualizes, trivializes, and stereotypes cheerleaders contributes to the fact that cheerleading suffers from a disempowering reputational deficit. This, in turn, can be linked to--among other problems--the paucity of regulation and profusion of preventable injury associated with the sport. This article's aim is thus to closely examine cheerleading-themed pornography with an eye to understanding how these depictions--in combination with other media representations--negatively impact cheerleaders' practice and wellbeing.

Language: en

Keywords

Cheerleading; media effects; porn studies; pornography; women’s sports