What Is The Clap? Understanding the Controversy Behind the Cheer

The cheer known as the clap has become a contentious issue in recent years. Some view the cheer as a harmless way to show school spirit, while others take issue with it for its perceived implication of racism. Below, we will dive deeper into the controversy, and provide some context on the history and use of this cheer.

History of the Cheer

The clap cheer is said to have originated in the 1970s. At that time, it was used as a way to evoke a sense of community, spirit, and excitement in a group. It began as a joyous, unifying way to bring people together and express support. Over time, its use has spread, particularly in scholastic settings at sporting events, pep rallies, assemblies, and school performances.

Today, however, the cheer is often considered divisive and controversial. This stems from the fact that, when doing the clap, African-American spectators tend to be the loudest and most passionate participants. This, in turn, has spawned a belief that the cheer is intended to “dehumanize” African Americans.

Controversy of The Clap

The controversy surrounding the clap has led many schools, notably those in the Pac-12 conference, to ban it from sporting events. Some schools have even created rules that require that students remain seated and silent during games, to help avoid any potential miscommunication or misunderstanding.

On one hand, those who oppose the cheer and insist that it is racist argue that its enthusiastic use serves to demean African Americans. They believe that it is used as a tool of oppression, intended to keep African Americans in their place and limit their potential. On the other hand, many people who perform the clap insist that it perpetuates unity and collective support, and isn’t meant to be oppressive in any way.

How To Move Forward

At the end of the day, the clap’s future rests in the hands of the viewers. It’s up to citizens to decide whether the cheer will continue to be a part of school culture, or if it will become relegated to the history books. It’s also important for viewers to take responsibility for their own words and actions, and ensure that they’re never making anyone feel unwelcome or excluded due to race.

Ultimately, the clap is just a cheer that has been used by some schools to convey school spirit. If viewers are mindful of their words and actions, the controversy can be avoided and everyone can enjoy the spirit of the game in unity.