A recent article on ESPN’s website disapproved of an infographic posted on the University of Washington’s Facebook Cheer page. The graphic depicted “Do’s” and “Don’t’s” of tryout attire. This “checklist” of the cheerleader appearance is not surprising, but is nonetheless an indication of the impiety in our society.

Some of the “Do’s” include “Bronze, beachy glow [makeup], false [eye] lashes, girl about town lipstick [whatever that is], flattering eye shadow, solid black sports bra, mid-rise black shorts.” Evidently, in order to lead a cheer one must be tanned, have full lips and eye lashes, and be willing to show some skin. One of the “Don’t’s” was “tops that cover the midriff” – apparently your cheering ability depends upon the presence of your navel! Of course, none of these requirements have anything to do with actual cheer leading. What is it about tanned skin, good makeup, a sports bra, and short shorts that makes cheering better?

The motive behind such attire requirement is far from improving the cheers from the crowd, or even winning cheering competitions. It simply is the most effective way to attract attention. Women are objectified. Sadder than this, some seem to want to be objectified – or at least receive the attention that comes with the objectification. “Do not be deceived:” sports bras worn as shirts, and short and tight spandex bottoms do not improve your athletic ability. Additionally, modest apparel does not impede your movement! (An excuse used for immodest clothing in athletic activities.) It merely sexualizes a body which is meant to be used for the Lord (cf. 1 Corinthians 6:13).

“I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works” (1 Timothy 2:8-10).