[destiny153]

so you know how on tv shows there are groups of teens that do things together all the time?? well i always thought that it was only for tv shows, but guess who was wrong, me!

well im a cheerleader, and those girls are alwasy labled as sluts, and girls that only think about themselves. well it is true, im not really friends with anyone on my squad because all they do is hook up with the football, and basketball players. i mean i get really drunk at parties and then i usally end up with a guy, but i don't do it with every guy in the school, not like they do. so now i am labled as a slut, just as the rest of them, but im kewl with the guys, and other cheerleaders. is it worth it??? should i stop cheering so that my rep. will change??? i don't know what to do??

[Masquerade]

If you don't want to cheer anymore because you're afraid of losing your reputation, then don't. Cheerleaders are often labeled as sluts because they are; if you aren't (or aren't as much as them, as you put it) then you need to choose what lifestyle you want to live.

[HitGirl]

Being a cheerleader doesn't make you do those things, you choose to take part in them. If you enjoy cheerleading, don't give it up. Instead, choose to make wise decisions. If the squad is going to a party and you don't trust yourself to keep your drinking under control, stay home instead.

You can still be a cheerleader and have a good reputation as long as you make thoughtful choices.

[destiny153]

Thanks guys for all of your help. ill keep these things in mind. i will stay on the team because i love to cheer!

[Markus]

Unfortunately in life people will make stereotypical judgements without getting to know you. It's just the way that some people are. However ultimately you'll be judged by how you act, or at least you'll be judged that way by the people who matter that know you. If you're a cheerleader then yes it's possible that some people who will never talk to you may view you as a slut.

However, your friends and other people who know you will ghenerally make judgements by how you behave. If you're reguarly going to parties and getting drunk and hooking up with guys then you will get that reputation. Stopping being a cheerleader won't change that. And likewise if you go to parties, have a good time but don't hook up with every guy you meet then people will see you like that. Staying as a cheerleader won't alter that.

If you enjoy being a cheerleader then stick with it! The only people who's opinions will be swayed by whether you are one or not are people who dont speak to you or know you and most likely never will, and frankly who cares what they think then!

[Dorkneetah]

If you dislike the way you are being treated change it. Do not stay in a social position just for superficial reasons especially if you are loosing a lot from the situation.

[Slightly]

Think less about how others perceive you and more about how you want to live your life. If cheerleading is something that you do for fun or just as a social activity to meet people and make friends, then there's no reason to give it up because a couple of people think you're a slut. If you like it, stick with it.

If you're just doing it to get in with the popular crowd and binge drink every weekend, then I don't think you have the right mentality.

Bottom line: you should mainly be considering whether or not you enjoy cheerleading... then make a decision based upon that.

[David-]

Don't stop doing something you enjoy doing just because others have added negative labels to it. However, if you don't want those labels given to you, then don't engage in the activities that qualify that label.

[destiny153]

Thanks again guys.