America's Sweethearts : Les cheerleaders des Dallas Cowboys

I thought this documentary drama series was interesting to see the inside of this iconic organization. A lot of people are going to scream sexism blah blah blah but there is certainly a tradition here that is highly respected. The ladies work so hard to make the team. My biggest appalling moment was finding out this is more of a hobby instead of a full time paying job. Also the physical toll that cheerleading is on the body. There's definitely a "type" to this space, and I'm definitely not one of them, but I gained so much respect for these ladies after seeing their dedication and commitment and heart into becoming a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader.

My favorite documentaries are the ones that don't need to explain everything for you and just show you things as they are, letting you form your own opinion. "America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders" on Netflix does precisely that, peeling back the glittery facade to reveal a world teeming with misogyny, toxicity, and emotionless aliens in human form. We witness super talented women being worked to the bone, paid next to nothing, and yet being told this is a "privilege" and a "job." The stark contrast between the glamorous image and the harsh reality is jarring, and will leave you cringing and in awe at the exploitation masked as opportunity (ESPECIALLY if you're a feminist).

This documentary is both heartbreaking and infuriating, a bittersweet yet important watch. It touches on subjects of mental health, depression, toxic environments, generational trauma, eating disorders, and even suicide. The treatment of these women is a devastating reflection of the broader societal issues at play. "America's Sweethearts" doesn't just entertain; it forces a necessary conversation about the costs of maintaining a facade of perfection at the expense of human well-being.

I mean I didn't know whether to rate this higher because it exposed the terrible pay, lack of diversity, the impossible standards set on these women...I could go on. Yet at the same time, I don't want to rate it higher for those exact same reasons. Let's start with the pay. Honestly I could not get past the first 20 minutes where they discussed the wages these girls earn (or lack thereof). Grossly inappropriate; I mean not just for how much football players make (although, I do think some players deserve higher wages themselves) but the astronomical amount of money the Dallas Cowboy's organization brings in and large in part to the these ladies is wildly inappropriate. The whole schtick of "well they just feel special because it's an honour to be chosen so you should feel privileged even to make it". In other words, if you come from a wealthy family where you don't have to solely rely on your salary to you know eat, live and stuff, then you have a 99% edge over everyone else. Oh and if you're white and blonde, even better (and this is coming from a blonde, white woman). Optics look terrible. Just no. I mean the drive, perseverance these women face is way more difficult than any football player does. We're talking weight, looks, technical precision, the "it" factor...my god. I feel slightly nauseous writing this. How is this the 21st century.

$25k a year to sell your soul and body to a billionaire. Maybe that's what Hollywood has always been too. Being cut for being too short, or smiling the wrong way, or not having the '"it factor". Hollywood. Hip replacement at 25 years old? All for the honour and joy of being part of a sisterhood. But for $25k a year? Netflix owns the global franchise for sports and entertainment exposes and this one is as good as Drive to Survive in its own way. Utterly compelling. The steely inhumanity of The Owner is probably normal for corporate America, But is it acceptable? Slave labour in todays world isn't right.....

I really liked it, I love dance. It was an interesting insight into their universe. I understand that Texas is a conservative state but for me there was way too much God talk. It was not something I expected to come up so much. Didn't need to see them going to a super church. I watched the first show on Country Music TV and thought that was better.

I felt so sorry for Victora, I wanted to give her a big hug. I really liked that they put focus on mental health and showed that even girls who look perfect can have issues and be insecure.

The focus though on religion would put me off watching next season, I fast forwarded past the church scenes. Its too much.