Cheer tryout flyer causes body image, racial tension

SEATTLE – A flyer advising women on how to audition for the University of Washington's cheerleading squad ignited a controversy Wednesday over female body image and how far educational institutions should go in sexualizing their students.

The flyer, which was posted to the university's Facebook page this week ahead of auditions for the cheer and dance team, was quickly withdrawn after scores of people objected that it reinforced sexual and racial stereotypes.

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The flyer, which was first reported by The Seattle Times, portrayed a skimpily clad young blonde woman with arrows pointing to several parts of her body, with advice on what to wear and how to groom — advising that applicants wear false eyelashes, "natural tan/spray tan," "girl about town lipstick" and hair with "volume," among many other tips.

In a statement, the university said it withdrew the flyer "in response to a high volume of student questions."

Read more at NBC News. 


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