After the first "Cheetah Girls" movie released in 2003, it was all the rage among young girls across the nation. With their R&B-infused dance hits, it was no question as to why they were so popular. However, it was not simply just their music that captured our hearts. Reflecting back on my childhood, few musical groups impacted me like the Cheetah Girls have. Their shining example of sisterhood, the messages of inclusivity, and female empowerment were all reasons I (and many many others) loved this group so much.
Throughout their unfortunately short-lived careers from 2003-2009, their stories of sisterhood and love for one another had a lasting impact. In the three movies they made and the dozens of hit songs it was clear that their messages were all full of positivity. Not only do the movies highlight a variety of cultures and backgrounds (via both the characters and their travels), they promote inclusion through representation.
The storyline of the first movie, "The Cheetah Girls," includes a moving scene revolving around one of the main characters, Dorinda. Although she had previously put on a façade regarding her financial status to impress the other wealthy members of the group, the girls find out that she is struggling. Rather than living in a fancy penthouse as the other girls do, Dorinda lives in a 10-kid foster home. When the other girls find out, instead of rejecting her, they embrace her. Chanel, one of the Cheetah Girls, assures her that no matter what, she is a Cheetah Girl for life. This leads into one of the most memorable songs of their careers, “Cheetah Sisters.”
I remember singing this song over and over again with my friends on the playground. At the time, I don’t think I realized the significance of the lyrics, but looking back they surely promote a message I believe everyone should live by.
We are sisters
We stand together
We make up one big family though we don't look the same
Our spots are different
Different colors
We make each other stronger
That ain't ever gonna change
No matter what background, what ethnicity, what financial status nor many other superficial ‘defining factors’ that mark each of us, we must look past our differences and stand together. Outwardly, the Cheetah Girls looked different, with African-American, Latina, and Caucasian members. However, rather than making judgments or stereotyping each other, they love one another and work to strengthen one another through friendship. Standing as one, they make a commitment to be sisters for life and stand by each other no matter what.
Can you imagine if everyone lived like this? In a world where we are being separated by race and class, what would it be like if we stood together? It may sound cheesy, but a movie meant for children can teach us more than we could imagine.