When Carry It On premiered in August 2000, nobody may have predicted {that a} teen cheerleading comedy would develop into a cultural touchstone. Directed by Peyton Reed and starring Kirsten Dunst and Gabrielle Union, the movie is remembered for its biting humor, catchy cheers, and countless quotability. However for a lot of Black ladies, particularly those that grew up on the sidelines of soccer fields and basketball courts, pom-poms in hand — it was Gabrielle Union’s portrayal of Isis, the fierce and unapologetic captain of the East Compton Clovers, that left the deepest impression.
Now, 25 years later, Carry It On stays a popular culture traditional not simply due to its campy enjoyable however as a result of it dared to show cultural appropriation in teen-friendly packaging. And on the middle of that lesson was Isis, a personality who made Black ladies really feel seen in a style and sport that usually erased them.
Earlier than Carry It On, the picture of the all-American cheerleader was dominated by whiteness. Popular culture from Buffy the Vampire Slayer to Saved by the Bell persistently solid cheerleaders as perky, ponytailed white ladies. Black cheerleaders not often made it onto screens, and after they did, they had been background characters with out storylines or voices.
Gabrielle Union’s Isis shattered that mildew. She wasn’t simply included she was central to the story. Because the chief of the Clovers, Isis commanded respect. She was sharp, trendy, and inconceivable to disregard. From the second she tells Torrance Shipman (Dunst) that the Toros had been “stealing” routines from Black cheerleaders, Isis represented greater than a personality; she embodied the actual frustrations of Black athletes and artists whose creativity is usually mined however not often credited.
Whereas Isis rightfully stood out because the chief, Carry It On additionally gave us a squad of unforgettable Black cheerleaders who made the Clovers really feel like a crew, not only a backdrop. There was Jenelope (performed by Natina Reed), quick-witted and unafraid to fireplace off biting one-liners that also reside rent-free in our heads. LaFred (Brandi Williams) introduced sass and sharp timing, at all times able to echo Isis’s authority with a smirk or an eye-roll. Lava (Shamari Fears) radiated athleticism and cool-girl confidence, making each stunt look easy.
Collectively, these ladies fashioned a sisterhood on display screen that many Black viewers acknowledged immediately: a gaggle of associates who hyped one another up, cracked jokes, and stood united when it was time to clap again. Their chemistry wasn’t unintended. Union, Reed, Williams, and Fears had pure synergy. The latter three had been really members of the R&B group Blaque, which added to their plain rhythm and magnificence.
Gabrielle Union herself has spoken about how significantly she took the position, although it was her first main movie. She deliberately gave Isis layers: she was protecting of her crew, powerful however nurturing, and prepared to name out injustice whereas retaining her squad’s spirits excessive. For Black audiences, seeing Isis stand tall towards the Toros’ entitlement was greater than leisure, it was empowerment.
Twenty-five years later, Isis continues to be a fan favourite. Her character has been meme’d, quoted, and celebrated throughout social media. Gen Z TikTokers reference her strains with out even realizing they’re quoting a movie older than they’re. Extra importantly, the dialog Carry It On began about cultural theft and acknowledgment feels much more related in in the present day’s period of viral dances, TikTok traits, and debates over credit score.
As Carry It On celebrates its twenty fifth anniversary, Gabrielle Union’s Isis stays a cultural icon. In a movie full of laughs, rivalries, and spirit fingers, she gave Black ladies one thing much more lasting: visibility. She informed us, via efficiency and presence, that Black cheerleaders weren’t simply backup — they had been innovators, leaders, and trendsetters.
For these of us who grew up listening to, “You don’t appear like a cheerleader,” Isis gave us the arrogance to flip that narrative. Sure, we did. And we nonetheless do.
So right here’s to 25 years of Isis and the Clovers. Thanks for the recollections and permitting us to see ourselves via you.
The submit 25 Years of ‘Carry It On’: How Gabrielle Union’s Isis Made Black Ladies Really feel Seen on the Cheerleading Flooring appeared first on Black Lady Nerds.