Gimme a FIGHT! Gimme a THE! Gimme a POWER!

November 15, 2003 11:37 AM

"DEAR MR PRESIDENT, WE WE THINK YOUR WAR IS STUPID, AND WE SAY NO WAY!" Thus the Radical Cheerleaders arrive on the protest scene, taking the outfits and chants usually found on the football field to protests and demonstrations all over the world. Some chants here, and more coverage here. hey, it beats giant puppets!
posted by amberglow (51 comments total)

sorry, threw an extra WE in there, and lost some text on preview: Full George W. chant here.
posted by amberglow at 11:40 AM on November 15, 2003

that's OK, they forgot a G.
posted by machaus at 11:46 AM on November 15, 2003

well, you know what they say about cheerleaders ; >
posted by amberglow at 11:50 AM on November 15, 2003

Gender fucks you know you rock,
Anyone can have a cock!
5-6-7-8, let your lover penetrate

I'm not sure I understand what they're protesting in this one.
posted by 4easypayments at 11:50 AM on November 15, 2003

I'm sorry. I just can't see where anyone is going to take this seriously. Least of all W. It's really a good thing they are concerned, but this just seems so silly.
Unless that's the point and I missed it?
posted by LouReedsSon at 11:53 AM on November 15, 2003

This makes all the opposition to Bush look silly and frivolous. Karl Rove couldn't have done a better job of it.
posted by Zonker at 12:01 PM on November 15, 2003

Lighten up, LouReedsSon and Zonker,

Dissent comes in many forms. Rah on!
posted by wsg at 12:18 PM on November 15, 2003

Are they really any better than puppets?
posted by sharksandwich at 12:20 PM on November 15, 2003

HEY GIRL (clap stomp stomp clap)
....
RIOT! DON’T DIET!
GET UP GET OUT AND TRY IT!
....
UGH! UGH! (clap stomp stomp clap)
DOES COSMO MAKE YOU SICK AND PALE?
YOU KNOW WHAT YOU NEED TO DO!
MOLOTOV COCKTAIL!
LIBERATE THE BEAUTY QUEEN
BURN THE BIBLES OF THE FASHION SCENE!
LET’S (stomp) GET (stomp) MEAN!
posted by delmoi at 12:36 PM on November 15, 2003

lube me up and bind those wrists
to fuck like this is to resist
give a cop a golden shower
come on baby, fight the power!

I need to find some shicks like this!
posted by delmoi at 12:40 PM on November 15, 2003

They sound as tiresome and annoying as every other cheerleader I've ever met.

Just shut up and look pretty, honey.
posted by jonmc at 12:48 PM on November 15, 2003

They are demonstrating what W. could do if he used his cheerleading skills for good instead of evil.
posted by donth at 12:49 PM on November 15, 2003

I mean, c'mon, we're in a complex quagmire of a situatio here. The alst thing we need to do is reduce everything to simple minded robotic chants.
posted by jonmc at 12:50 PM on November 15, 2003

Dissent comes in many forms. Rah on!

Indeed, but this just feels like it can set things back a bit.
posted by LouReedsSon at 1:15 PM on November 15, 2003

The alst thing we need to do is reduce everything to simple minded robotic chants.

With us or against us!

Weapons of mass destruction!

Liberate Iraq!

Homeland Security!"
posted by rushmc at 1:22 PM on November 15, 2003

rushmc: um...look behind you on the wall for the point I was making because it seemed to fly right over your head. Yes, the administration is simpleminded and stupid, and fighting that with more simpleminded stupidity, helps exactly how?
posted by jonmc at 1:29 PM on November 15, 2003

Let's Roll!
Bring 'em on!
Mission Accomplished!
posted by TimeFactor at 1:30 PM on November 15, 2003

THE BESTEST (OF THE RESTEST) IRAQ POST EVERRRRRR!!!

either that or these girls are making all the opposition to Bush look silly and frivolous. we need more serious political threads around here.
posted by poopy at 1:31 PM on November 15, 2003

GIMME A G! GROSS!
GIMME AN E! ELITIST!
GIMME AN O! OIL!
GIMME AN R! RACIST!
GIMME AN E! EVIL!
GIMME A W! WAR!

WHAT'S THAT SPELL? GEOREW!

I too am opposed to georew. We need more money for schools, more racial equality, and whole lot less georew. No georew is good georew, I've always said, and I stand by it.
posted by rusty at 2:00 PM on November 15, 2003

Oh, goodness, I've failed to lighten up. Awfully sorry about that, really.

Here, how's this: "it's good that strident left-wing extremists contribute to getting Bush reelected by alienating middle-of-the-road voters! Woo-hoo! Yippee! I won't be the least bit unhappy with them, not even when they all vote for Nader again and make sure that Bush wins! Hahahahaha!".

Hm. Still not light enough, I guess, but I'll work at it. (I'll have to, if I don't want to get arrested under the many hilarous sequels to the Patriot Act that we'll get in a second term under Bush. What a hoot!)

And in the meantime, please don't mind too much if I try to contribute to actually defeating Bush next year. I'll try to keep it quiet. Party on, dudes.
posted by Zonker at 2:27 PM on November 15, 2003

to each his own, zonker

and...one of my own:
Where's Osama?
Where's Saddam?
Democrats
will Bring It On!
posted by amberglow at 2:31 PM on November 15, 2003

The Guardian article gets it right. Radical Cheerleaders don't go to protests to engage in subtle, reasoned discourse--they go to unify and raise the spirits of masses of people engaging in what can sometimes be a dangerous, frightening activity. They're goofy, but they're good at what they do.

And Zonker, I wouldn't worry too much about "strident left-wing extremists" voting for Nader next year. I know quite a few of these people--everyone from Green Party fans to anarchists are campaigning for Democrats, and will vote for whoever gets the nomination.
posted by hippugeek at 3:26 PM on November 15, 2003

fighting that with more simpleminded stupidity, helps exactly how?

Sometimes you have to speak to the simpleminded in language they will understand.
posted by rushmc at 3:30 PM on November 15, 2003

THEY’RE THE P-I-G-S, WITH THE BADGE ON THEIR CHEST
THEY’RE HERE TO OPPRESS, THE PEOPLE WITH LESS

THEY’RE ARMED, THEY’RE DANGEROUS, THEY’RE THEY BOYS IN BLUE.
PUT YOUR HAND WHERE THEY CAN SEE THEM, OR THEY’RE GONNA SHOOT YOU!

THEIR EXCUSE IS PROTECTION, THEIR TOOL IS CONTROL
THE TIME TO ACT IS NOW! KICK THE PIGS OFF PATROL!

OK, I can understand the opposition that some people have to Operation Iraqi Freedom. I can also understand that some people don't like the President. But attacking the POLICE? Sheesh. Worse than juvenile, worse than stupid - just plain wrong.
posted by davidmsc at 3:38 PM on November 15, 2003

Expressing dissatisfaction with != attacking.
posted by rushmc at 3:49 PM on November 15, 2003

This does not beat giant puppets.
posted by squirrel at 4:11 PM on November 15, 2003

everyone from Green Party fans to anarchists are campaigning for Democrats, and will vote for whoever gets the nomination.

Sorry to go off topic. I asked this question in another thread, but got no answer and I can't find one anywhere. Can a presidential candidate accept nominations from multiple parties?
posted by LouReedsSon at 4:15 PM on November 15, 2003

I think some have a rather old fashioned idea of cheerleading. When I see some of those competitions, they look damn athletic, however I don't suppose the Radical Cheerleaders are making pyramids including flips and tosses including signage, although I wish they would incorporate it.

Now that would get anyones attention and after all, isn't that the purpose of a protest? To get attention, especially from the media. They love a circus.

How quickly would the riot police train their water canons, rubber bullets and tear gas on a pyramid of cheerleaders? It would just look bad in the press, now wouldn't it?

Matter of fact, the RCMP at Québec's summit used excessive force on a peaceful demonstration and are looking like the goons they are according to the Commission for Public Complaints.

Then again, I thought protests aren't allowed in the USA anymore. Something about it being unpatriotic. Not only has free speech been curtailed, but Radical Cheerleading is looked upon as a frivolous activity by some. Really.

[And jonmc, call them 'honey' to their face, methinks you would be dropped, baby.]
Actually, they're also protesting against chauvinist pigs and stereotypes.

Gimme an F! ...
posted by alicesshoe at 4:41 PM on November 15, 2003

But attacking the POLICE?

davidmsc clearly hasn't been engaged involuntarily in conversations with police since 9/11. many are feeling so empowered by the war on terror that they can barely control their raging priapii.
posted by quonsar at 4:57 PM on November 15, 2003

Can a presidential candidate accept nominations from multiple parties?
I think it goes state-by-state, at least in terms of being listed on the ballot multiple times, LouReedsSon. In NYS, you can be. And this was interesting from Mass.
posted by amberglow at 5:01 PM on November 15, 2003

I think it goes state-by-state, at least in terms of being listed on the ballot multiple times, LouReedsSon. In NYS, you can be. And this was interesting from Mass.

Thanks amberglow, and I can see the problems that could arise during primaries. I was thinking more about the general election. I seem to recall someone, a mayor I think (Ed Koch maybe?) accepting the nominations of both the Republican and Democratic parties (or was that just some awsome acid?). I live in NY and have seen local level candidates names in multiple rows. Since some people vote a party regardless of who's running, I thought, well you know what I thought! Peace and thanks again.

Sorry for the interruption... GO TEAM! :)
posted by LouReedsSon at 5:40 PM on November 15, 2003

To get attention, especially from the media. They love a circus.

I thought they were the circus?
posted by rushmc at 5:45 PM on November 15, 2003

well, Giuliani was listed as Repub and Right-to-Life for mayor i think, and Dems are almost always listed on both Dem and Working Family lines...

Now back to our cheers:
New York, New York,
It's a helluva town!
The Bronx is up,
and Bush is goin' down!!! : >
posted by amberglow at 5:47 PM on November 15, 2003

*grabs pom-poms*

I. AM. SO. THERE.

seriously. sadly, given the recent economy/jobless stats in the news, it's looking not so good for our team.
posted by poopy at 5:54 PM on November 15, 2003

seriously. sadly, given the recent economy/jobless stats in the news, it's looking not so good for our team.
Well, until the 3 million people laid off so far during bush's term get rehired, don't worry too much poopy
posted by amberglow at 6:01 PM on November 15, 2003

oh, and squirrel, I like giant puppets for the halloween parade here (and the gigantes in europe during festivals), but am tired of them for protests--cheers are more fun, because they're participatory.
posted by amberglow at 6:06 PM on November 15, 2003

Sometimes you have to speak to the simpleminded in language they will understand.

Are you refferring to Bush? The people surrounding him? or the general public?

If you're reffering to Bush you're right on target. If you're referring to the people surrounding him, they're actually fairly sophisticated people pretending to be simpleminded to their own ends. If you're referring to the general public that's an overly broad statement and dangerously condescending, not to mention off putting. Nobody wants to listen to somebody who considers them a simpleton. Thus it interferes with the message getting across.
posted by jonmc at 6:08 PM on November 15, 2003

given the recent economy/jobless stats in the news, it's looking not so good for our team.

Personal bankrupcies at an all-time high.

Nobody wants to listen to somebody who considers them a simpleton.

Especially a simpleton. :P
posted by rushmc at 6:10 PM on November 15, 2003

thanks jonmc. being only one of the majority of simpletons, it's this kind of elitist attitude that makes me want to shrug my shoulders in complete apathy.
posted by poopy at 6:16 PM on November 15, 2003

George Bush has a little-known history as a cheerleader in drag himself.

Great protesting platform, amber - cheerleding sure beats mimes and clowns.
posted by madamjujujive at 6:17 PM on November 15, 2003

btw, I advocate caution and a good pop-up stopper when searching for "cheerleader bush."
posted by madamjujujive at 6:25 PM on November 15, 2003

what could possibly be popping up?
posted by quonsar at 6:56 PM on November 15, 2003

"I advocate caution and a good pop-up stopper when searching for 'cheerleader bush.'"

I advocate mirrors on the tips of the shoe.
posted by mr_crash_davis at 6:57 PM on November 15, 2003

Cheerleaders Who Don't Shave There Legs...

???
Must Rest, Head Hurts...
¿¿¿

::THUNK::

...

zZz...
posted by Dreamghost at 9:01 PM on November 15, 2003

and now, girls on trampolines.
posted by a3matrix at 9:02 PM on November 15, 2003

Oh, good.
posted by squirrel at 1:27 AM on November 16, 2003

Rushmc, what would you consider an attack? References to eating their hearts?

Perhaps some simpletons find this message not simple enough.


I did like that the Manifetos page didn't have anything on it.

I first heard of Radical Cheerleading in Dykes to Watch Out for, a couple fo years ago, no idea they were nation wide.
posted by Snyder at 8:36 AM on November 16, 2003

radical cheerleading is international. It might be hard to understand for those who don't go to protests, but groups like radical cheerleaders provide a diversion from the monotony of ANSWER. There are a million speeches and calls to action that are cleanly negotionated, and, well, boring. many of the women i know who are radical cheerleaders are very intelligent, but they like to dress up in fun costumes and go to rallies and cheer because it keeps everyone's spirits up. in other settings they probably do engage in the sort of conservative and substantial debates on the issues that you are claiming you like to see.

davidmsc: see the 60s or see last night. Who do you think is exercising those patriot act non-warrents.

jonmc, please stop being condescending. all women aren't sex objects for your enjoyment. it's fucking stupid to consistently rail on people for being condescending as one of the 'common men' and then relegate women to sex objects.
posted by goneill at 9:36 AM on November 16, 2003

I think this could be useful as an element of political rallies - you know, like a halftime show. I wouldn't use them as an event/political movement in themselves though.
posted by orange swan at 10:57 AM on November 16, 2003

goneill, that was a joke (and a someone dumb one, I'll admit). I was reacting more to what I maintain is the silliness of the idea. I find cheerleaders annoying at football games, I'm sure they'll be even more annoying at a protest, which is counterproductive.

And anyone who truly knows me will tell you that I don't consider women merely sex objcts.
posted by jonmc at 11:14 AM on November 16, 2003

Just because something makes the most noise, doesn't mean that it's the best idea.
posted by HTuttle at 9:43 PM on November 16, 2003