From Cheerleader to Enemy of the State

From the Book

RADICAL PEACE: People Refusing War

Cheerleaders are a quintessentially American institution, deeply embedded in the lore of national chauvinism and the huge distraction of sports.

Cheerleaders are a quintessentially American institution, deeply embedded in the lore of national chauvinism and the huge distraction of sports.

By William T. Hathaway

 ¶

The twenty-nine-year-old was fired for teaching her high school students how US foreign policy has provoked terrorism. This struggle with her school board turned her from a Republican into a revolutionary for peace.

Judy and I were talking in the cramped living-dining-room-kitchen of the rental trailer she had to move into after being fired. The air conditioner was broken, and the room was hot and humid. I was grateful for the iced tea with a sprig of mint.

She showed me photos of her as a high school and college cheerleader, full of pep and team spirit. Now she was embarrassed by them.

I asked her how she thinks we should oppose patriarchy.

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http://media.trineday.com/radicalpeace.

www.peacewriter.org.