AsianWeek » Asian Cheerleaders in the Olympics: “OK” or Unacceptable?

Asian Cheerleaders in the Olympics: “OK” or Unacceptable?

Due to cultural and perhaps, to some extent, ideological differences cheerleading as a profession hasn’t been as well-received in Asia (China more specifically) as it is in the US. But maybe times are changing. Recently, the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games (BOCOG) has enlisted 400 cheerleaders for the games. They have been performing at several major Olympic sporting events such as basketball, soccer, and volleyball. Some Chinese local officials believe that “they create a good atmosphere.” Here are more photos of the cheerleaders in action. What do you think? Please comment below!

BEIJING - AUGUST 09: Cheerleaders perform during the beach volleyball preliminary matches held at the Chaoyang Park Beach Volleyball Ground during day 1 of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 9, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Chinese cheerleaders entertain fans during a break at the Stankovic Cup basketball game between Serbia and Russia in Hangzhou on July 19, 2008 in eastern China’s Zhejiang province. AFP PHOTO/Frederic J. BROWN (Photo credit should read FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images)

Cheerleaders wave ribbons during a float parade outside the National Stadium, also known as the Bird’s Nest, in Beijing, Monday, Aug. 4, 2008. The Olympic Games open in the Bird’s Nest on Aug. 8. (AP Photo/EyePress)

Photos via Getty Images

*****Keeping up with Olympics:*****

2008 Beijing Olympics Meet Your Asian American Olympians!

Daily Olympic Updates

****************************

Comments

The fact that there are cheerleaders in the games is not bad. It does go against our values to an extent, but you have to consider that the rest of the world is involved in the games, it’s not just China’s Olympic Games. Besides, many of the outfits these girls are wearing are more conservative than some of the ones american cheerleaders wear. It’s a big give-take situation. Over-all though, I would recommend a more conservative look for them though. There is a lot at stake for China.

–Tuan on Oct 13, 2008

Post your comments.

Comments using inappropriate language will not be posted. AsianWeek reserves the right to re-publish comments, into "Letters to the Editor," in which case, we reserve the right to edit comments for length and style. If you would like to write a letter to our editor, please email: asianweek@asianweek.com.