I just read an article on one of my favorite blogs, Jezebel, about a group of cheerleaders in Connecticut who lobbied the school board at their high school to let them wear uniforms that were less skimpy.
The
Connecticut Post talked to some of the girls who argued in favor of requiring the school cheerleading uniforms be less revealing:
“We ask with the utmost respect you do anything in your power to help us,” said Heidi Medina, a former team captain, removing oversized sweats to reveal a quarter-length top and exposed middle. “I don’t feel comfortable wearing this.” “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?”
By taking action and standing up for what they believe in, these cheerleaders are also helping to draw attention to some of the risks involved for cheerleaders. In addition to negatively impacting girls’ self-esteem, showed that overall, cheerleaders were highly disposed to eating disorders – “33.1% had some risk of eating disorder characteristics and/or behaviors. Cheerleaders on teams with midriff uniforms were most disposed to body-image issues.”
For their part, the school board listened to the girls and agreed to buy black bodysuits the girls could wear underneath the uniforms, ensuring their stomachs don’t show, even when doing gymnastic feats.
Congratulations to these smart girls for not only recognizing the harmful impact their uniforms were having on them, but for standing up for themselves and speaking their truth! Not only does that benefit all the future cheerleaders of Central High School, but it inspires girls everywhere to take action and make change in their own lives. And that’s something we can all cheer about!
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Helen Landalf Said,
October 6, 2010 @ 9:23 am
It makes me so happy to see young women stand up for their right to be seen as more than sexual objects. I’m so impressed by your website and blog, Debbie!
dreber Said,
October 7, 2010 @ 9:12 am
Thanks so much for stopping by, Helen 🙂