Earlier this week, CBS Houston writer Claire Crawford wrote a story that raised the question of whether or not one of the Oklahoma City Thunder dancers is “too chunky” to be a cheerleader. The entire story is posted above, and you can read it by clicking each section to enlarge the image.
“We are not trying to be ugly,” Crawford wrote. “We are just discussing what men like in women, specifically NBA cheerleaders.”
Even if men do prefer a specific body type when it comes to cheerleaders, embarrassing the young lady seems totally out of line. CBS Houston probably realized that, which is why the story has been pulled.
The story even ended with a poll question asking readers if they felt she was perfect for the job, could use some “tightening” up, or has “no business” wearing a cheerleading outfit in front of that many people.
Crawford’s real-life name reportedly is Anna-Megan Raley. Her Twitter accounts under her pseudonym and real name have been deleted, and an archive of her posts on CBS Houston have been wiped out for the most part.
The cheerleader who was targeted by the attack, Kelsey Williams, responded to the criticism over Twitter:
“To be womanly always, discouraged never”
— Kelsey Self Williams (@KelseyBWilliams) April 24, 2013
We wouldn’t know what blessings were if we didn’t go through trials. Thank you to EVERYONE for the compassion and love today. I’m in awe.
— Kelsey Self Williams (@KelseyBWilliams) April 25, 2013
Just a couple months ago, we learned the story of a Green Bay Packers cheerleader who took a stand against cyber bullying after reading all the nasty things that were written about her on Facebook. Fans are always going to be ruthless, but there’s no excuse for the media to perpetuate stereotypes and basically highlight a cheerleader who some may consider to not fit the “cheerleading prototype.” I don’t see how anyone thought this article was worth posting.
