Sexy underwear...no problem if worn by adults, but should children wear them? Kids n Teen, a children’s store, thinks they should. They were selling crotch-less panties in a children's store until this outraged Mom complained.
In explanation, the store says 25% of its inventory is for teens and the underwear weren't intended for children. In that case, why were there crotch-less panties on the shelf in a children's store? The statement that a small part of the inventory is for tweens and teens suggests that it’s fine for teens to buy and wear crotch-less underwear. Are they supporting sex for children, and teens? The store says no, but the inventory says yes.
Not too long ago, a French lingerie line, marketing to girls 4-12, was in the news.
Examples of sexualization of children include thongs in children sizes, crotch-less panties for children, and push-up bras for preteens. Also, slogans like "Who needs credit cards...?" and "eye candy" written on underwear for ten year-olds. Recently, a well-known department store was criticized for its, "I'm to pretty to do homework" tee-shirt.
Sexualization of girls is steadily increasing and we must pay attention. Girls are bombarded daily with messages that it's cool to be "hot", "sexy". "Hot" and "Sexy" also sell toys and other items targeted at girls.
Additionally, beauty pageants for young girls play a role in the sexualization of girls. Girls are presented in ways that make them appear to be adults. Toddlers dress in sexy outfits and do suggestive dancing and are taught how to flirt with judges, shake their hips, and moisten their lips. This behavior is not what we should teach our girls.
Other than the mothers, who are the pageants’ audience? Pedophiles…these pageants are soft porn for pedophiles and they are probably the larger share of the audience. Although we know these type pageants could encourage a pedophile to assault a child, it doesn't seem to matter to the parents of these girls; they appear to be blinded by hopes of fame, popularity and money.
Our society didn't always treat girls this way. But, at some point, in the 1990's, marketers realized that children of all ages had money to spend. Advertisers began targeting ads towards children. Media, including print media, has played an important role and media has an important role to play in changing these images.
Sexualization of girls is harmful to their physical and emotional health. Parents must counteract the images bombarding their children. Expose them to positive images of girls in settings that are not seen as sexual.
Advertisers are only concerned with selling the products and making money, and in an apparent disregard for age appropriateness, will continue with their advertising campaigns and the media will print and broadcast these ads.
Peace
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