Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

On cheerleading

Cheerleading has elicited positive and negative opinions in equal measure but the realities connected with the issue have been overlooked. Belly-shaking by a few girls cannot be considered an assault on morality and certainly not an affront to Indian culture. The issue is: why should a noble game like cricket be associated with bands of beauties for its promotion, survival and existence? Will huge crowds throng our stadiums to watch cricket only if it is accompanied by hip-swinging?

Cheerleading by itself is not a sin. Bal Thackeray who once threatened to invade the pitches if the Pakistan team played here has stopped with a mild condemnation of cheerleaders. Maybe, he is convinced that he and his party stand no chance of beating the corporate might.

T.S. Pattabhi Raman,

Coimbatore

Cricket has a huge following in our country and as such there is no need to import cheerleaders to enthuse the players.

The argument that film stars wear skimpier dresses in movies is no justification for the attire of the cheerleaders. It is long since movies ceased to be yardsticks for social norms.

Seshagiri Row Karry,

Hyderabad

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