Male Cheer and Powderpuff have been long-standing traditions at the Benjamin School, providing students with an opportunity to participate in activities that may not have been traditionally available to them. However, in recent years, these events have come under fire for promoting gender stereotypes and reinforcing outdated ideas about gender roles. Despite these criticisms, there are many reasons why Male Cheer and Powderpuff should not be banned.

Male Cheer is an event where a group of boys performs a coordinated dance routine in cheerleading uniforms for the entire school or homecoming game. While some argue that this event reinforces gender stereotypes, others argue that it promotes inclusivity and acceptance by allowing boys to participate in an activity that girls have traditionally dominated. In fact, many boys have expressed an interest in cheerleading, and more and more males are joining cheer teams each year. By allowing boys to participate in cheerleading, Male Cheer can help create a more accepting and tolerant school community that breaks down gender barriers and allows students to express themselves in new ways.

Similarly, Powderpuff is a game of flag football played by a group of girls who assume the roles of boys. While some argue that this event reinforces gender stereotypes by suggesting that girls cannot play “masculine” sports, others argue that it promotes inclusivity and acceptance by allowing girls to participate in a sport that boys have traditionally dominated. In fact, in recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of girls playing football all over the country. Many schools and communities have started to form girls’ football teams, and several states have even established official girls’ football leagues. By allowing girls to play football and participate in Powderpuff, schools can help create a more inclusive and accepting school environment.

Sienna Barboni, a ninth-grader, and participant in the Powderpuff event shares her thoughts on why it is unnecessary to ban the event.

 “I thought that it was really fun and a good way to come together, to practice and compete against one another,” Barboni stated. “I don’t see why it should be banned because I understand that it is a school tradition that has been around for many years and everyone looks forward to it every year and if they changed the event it just wouldn’t be the same,” she adds.

Furthermore, events like Male Cheer and Powderpuff can be a source of school spirit and community building. These events often involve a significant amount of planning and preparation, which can bring students and faculty members together and create a sense of camaraderie and school pride. The events also create a bit of friendly competition and rivalry between grades. By fostering a sense of community and school spirit, events like Male Cheer and Powderpuff can help create a more positive school culture.

Another reason why these events should not be banned is that they provide an opportunity for students to develop new skills and interests. Male Cheer and Powderpuff allow students to step outside their comfort zones and try new things, such as learning a dance routine, practicing football, or coaching. These experiences can help students develop new talents and interests, and may even inspire them to pursue these activities outside of school.

Moreover, banning Male Cheer and Powderpuff may have unintended consequences. For example, it could lead to a decrease in school spirit or an increase in harmful gender stereotypes. Students may feel discouraged from participating in other school events or from expressing themselves in ways that are seen as “unconventional” or “non-traditional.”

It is important to note that these events are not the only ones that have come under scrutiny for promoting gender stereotypes. Other events such as prom king and queen or dress codes have also been criticized for reinforcing gender norms. However, banning these events is not the solution. Rather, schools should work towards creating a more inclusive and accepting environment for all students, regardless of gender or gender identity. This includes promoting activities that break down gender barriers and encouraging students to express themselves in ways that are true to themselves.

While Male Cheer and Powderpuff have recently been criticized for promoting gender stereotypes, there are many reasons why these events should not be banned. By promoting inclusivity, breaking down gender barriers, and fostering school spirit, events like Male Cheer and Powderpuff can help create a more accepting and positive school community. Rather than banning these events, schools should work to ensure that they are inclusive and welcoming to all students, regardless of gender or gender identity. As we move towards a more inclusive society, events like Male Cheer and Powderpuff can be an important part of creating a more accepting and diverse school community.