There is a perception that modern generations want to sex up their culture, and cheerleader dance routines are no exception - but at least one school squad has protested being forced to wear outfits they think are too skimpy and went to the School Board to ask for help.
"It really hurts our self esteem," said Ariana Mesaros, another senior on the team, in a voice hoarse from cheering the night before. "I am embarrassed to stand up here dressed like this. Is this really how you want Bridgeport to be represented?"
The 2010-11 National Federation Spirit Rules book, which guides cheerleading competitions in Connecticut and across the country, states in Section 2 Article 6: "When standing at attention, apparel must cover the midriff."
Denise Clemons, the assistant superintendent for secondary school, said the new uniforms are appropriate and were based on the sizes the students gave last spring and emphasized that only a handful of the 19-member squad had complained. So, thanks, public school official, for insisting on your legal basis to tramp out CT minors.
Cheerleaders in Seminole County, FL high schools had to get a special exemption to wear their skirts because "dresses, skirts and shorts must be at least mid-thigh or below in length," else they fall under the category of clothing that is "sexually suggestive."
The exemptions was needed because a mother complained that her daughter was sent home for wearing a skirt too short and noticed the cheerleaders were not criticized. The school solution? The principal has the right to interpret the rule so the non-cheerleading student was not okay with a short skirt but for the cheerleaders, no problem. School officials wonder why they get so little respect.
Which school would you rather have your kids in? Neither - they're both run by people who want to objectify our daughters, even when the daughters say they are uncomfortable in the outfits. That is a cultural failure by adults, not the young people.
