Introduction
Bring It On (2000), starring Kirsten Dunst and Gabrielle Union, is a teen comedy about competitive cheerleading that made its mark as a pop culture phenomenon. However, upon closer inspection, the film is rife with problematic content that can be harmful to certain individuals and communities. This article will discuss the various reasons why you should reconsider watching Bring It On (2000) again and explore some of the hidden issues and themes that the film presents.
5 Reasons Why You Should Avoid Watching Bring It On (2000) Again
There are many reasons why you should avoid rewatching Bring It On (2000), but here are five main ones:
1. Offensive Content
The film contains several inappropriate and offensive jokes, such as racist remarks, homophobic slurs, and ableist language. These kinds of jokes can have a damaging impact on individuals and communities and perpetuate harmful stereotypes.
2. Harmful Stereotypes
Bring It On (2000) reinforces harmful stereotypes about cheerleaders, athletes, and other marginalized groups, such as the “dumb blonde” cheerleader or the “angry Black woman” stereotype. These stereotypes can be hurtful and perpetuate negative perceptions of these groups that can be difficult to overcome.
3. Problematic Production History
The production history of Bring It On (2000) is also problematic, with allegations of plagiarism and a lack of diversity among the film’s production team. This indicates that the film may have been insensitive to cultural contexts and contributed to an overall lack of representation in Hollywood.
4. Toxic Competitiveness
The film also promotes toxic competitiveness and unhealthy attitudes towards winning and losing, which can be harmful, especially for young viewers who may be more easily influenced by media messages.
5. Cultural Appropriation
Bring It On (2000) also appropriates Black culture and music without giving proper credit or representation to the Black artists and communities who originated these traditions. This can contribute to cultural erasure and a lack of respect for the contributions of marginalized communities.
The Hidden Issues with Bring It On (2000)
While some of the issues with Bring It On (2000) are evident upon watching the film, there are also some lesser-known issues that deserve attention. For example, the film’s portrayal of cheerleading presents unrealistic expectations for what cheerleading actually entails and can lead to body shaming and unhealthy eating habits. Additionally, the film’s representation of female friendships can be problematic, as the friendships in the film are often rooted in competition and hierarchical power dynamics.
Beyond Cheerleading: Problematic Themes in Bring It On (2000)
Aside from the obvious issues with the film’s content, there are also some problematic themes present in Bring It On (2000). For example, the film centers around the idea of “borrowing” and “stealing” routines from other teams, which can contribute to a lack of originality and creativity. The film also presents a narrow view of success, equating success with winning competitions rather than personal growth or self-improvement.
An In-Depth Look at the Offensive Content in Bring It On (2000)
The offensive content in Bring It On (2000) deserves a closer look, as it is integral to understanding the problematic nature of the film. The film contains several instances of racist and homophobic language, as well as ableist jokes that can be hurtful to individuals with disabilities. Additionally, the hypersexualization of teenage girls in the film is concerning, as it can contribute to a culture of sexualization and objectification of young women.
Why Bring It On (2000) Doesn’t Hold Up in 2021
Cultural attitudes towards race, gender, and representation have changed significantly since the release of Bring It On (2000), and the film doesn’t hold up well against modern standards. The lack of diversity among the cast and production team, as well as the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes, doesn’t resonate with modern audiences who are looking for more nuanced and inclusive media representation.
The Harmful Stereotypes Portrayed in Bring It On (2000) and Why They’re Still Relevant Today
The harmful stereotypes present in Bring It On (2000) are still relevant today, as they continue to harm marginalized communities. For example, the “dumb blonde” stereotype perpetuates the notion that women cannot be intelligent or capable, while the “angry Black woman” stereotype reinforces negative perceptions of Black women as “difficult” or “unapproachable.” These stereotypes can be damaging and perpetuate systemic inequalities that still exist in our society today.
Conclusion
Although Bring It On (2000) was once a beloved teen comedy, its problematic content and themes make it difficult to recommend. Instead, viewers can explore more inclusive and diverse media that accurately represents a variety of perspectives and experiences.