New study on the sexualization of girls leaves this mother saying, DUH!
By: Vicki Courtney
American girls, say experts, are increasingly being force-fed a steady diet of products and images that send a strong message that they should cultivate their sensualities in an attempt to be “sexy.”
"Throughout U.S. culture, and particularly in mainstream media, women and girls are depicted in a sexualizing manner," declares the American Psychological Association's Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls, in a report issued Monday, February 19, 2007. Nah, really? DUH! The report further claimed that such images are found in virtually every medium, from TV shows to magazines and from music videos to the Internet. Again, double DUH!
According to the study, sexualization occurs when "a person's value comes only from his or her sexual appeal or behavior," when sexuality is inappropriately imposed, or when a person is sexually "objectified." Most disturbingly, the study found that the media’s sexualization of girls has been linked to three of the most common mental health problems of girls and women: eating disorders, low self-esteem and depression. (Am I the only one wondering if this could cause a pop-star to shave her head bald so ‘no one will touch her?’)
In addition to the standard media influences, the authors of the study also singled out the popular-among-tweens Bratz dolls, for "sexualized clothing such as miniskirts, fishnet stockings and feather boas." And it got me thinking about the tiny girl’s size 7 tank top I hold up at conferences in an attempt to illustrate one of many examples of this disturbing trend of the sexualization of our girls. It says, “Made to tease….A cheap thrill product.” Or what about the fact that tweens spent $1.6 million on thong underwear in 2003. Or the screen-print t-shirts from Abercrombie that say “Who needs brains when you have these?” “Anatomy Tutor,” or “Available for Parties.” Or the subtitles on the teen fashion magazines that say, “22 jeans that scream “nice butt!” “Best bottoms for your butt, tops that tease & please.” Or those midriff-baring tees and low-cut shirts that make it hard to look them in the eyes. And songs like, “My Humps" by the Black-eyed Peas or “Candy Shop” by 50 Cent that are commonly played at school dances. Haven’t heard of Candy Shop?
Here’s a sample:
I take you to the candy shop
I'll let you lick the lollypop
Go 'head girl, don't you stop
Keep goin 'til you hit the spot
If you be a nympho, I'll be a nympho
In the hotel or in the back of the rental
On the beach or in the park, it's whatever you into
Got the magic stick, I'm the love doctor
Give it to me baby, nice and slow
Climb on top, ride like you in the rodeo
You ain't never heard a sound like this before
Cause I ain't never put it down like this
Soon as I come through the door she get to pullin on my zipper
It's like it's a race who can get undressed quicker
Isn't it ironic how erotic it is to watch em in thongs
Are you mad? I hope so because that’s what it’s going to take to put a stop to this nonsense. Interestingly, I penned a solution back in 2003 when I wrote “Your Girl.” Here is what it says:
“As Christian mothers, we must awaken from our slumber, equip ourselves for battle, and refuse to allow the world to take our girls by the hand and lead them through life. If we don’t take action, rest assured, our daughters will be indoctrinated into the popular thinking of the day.
My daughter will be taught that every person has a huge, gaping hole within his/her heart that can only be satisfied by the perfect love of Jesus Christ. She will be reminded that Jesus liberated women over 2000 years ago when He died on the cross for our sins. His movement never has been and never will be quenched as it continues to spread to every corner of the world. As a leader, Jesus is credible, reliable, and has a glowing list of references that attest to His life-changing power. He doesn’t change the rules to match the times. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. My daughter will be encouraged to keep these truths in mind as she encounters other young ladies who have fallen prey to the negative influences of the culture and have attempted to fill the huge holes in their hearts with anything but the unfailing love of God. Wow, it almost sounds like I am suggesting that we start a new women’s movement.
Jeremiah 6:16 says, “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is and walk in it and you will find rest for your souls.” Our girls are in desperate need of new direction. The women’s movement has failed them. Our culture has failed them. They long for rest in their souls. We have the answer. We know the good Way. It’s time for a new women’s movement. For the sake of our daughters, let’s not rest until we see it happen.”
We don't need an expensive study funded by a medical powerhouse to tell us what we already know. It is up to parents to monitor their childen's media diets in an effort to protect them from the effects of sexualization. As long as parents are willing to open their wallets to these "porn purveyors," the trend will coninue. While it is impossible for parents to shield their daughters (and sons) from every negative image or message, we can start by targeting the key offenders. My teens are 18, 16, and 14 and I am proud to say that an MTV music video has never played on any TV in our home. We do not subscribe to fashion magazines because they "objectify women" as sex objects. We don't listen to crude hip-hop and other songs that demoralize women. Should a song with sultry lyrics play on the pop radio station while in the car, my children are tortured by mom picking it apart line for line in an effort to prove my point. And I am proud to say that we have never once purchased a single item from Abercrombie and Fitch. The adverstisement for "group sex" on the front cover of a past quarterly catalog, thong underwear marketed to tween girls stamped with "wink, wink," and "eye candy," and trampy-sloganed t-shirts caused this mom to close her wallet for good and forever. I am certainly not claiming to be a perfect parent, nor suggesting that my children are perfect. I am facing the same uphill battle you are. For proof of this, check out my archived blog entitled, "Where did I go wrong?" And to top things off, my daughter came home last week with a hand-me-down sweater from a friend with the Abercrombie logo on it. Sigh.
Sound off and tell me what makes your blood boil with the media’s sexualization of our girls. This is your chance to let other concerned parents know about some damaging influences you may have spotted that are sending the wrong message. Also, if you live in Texas, Oklahoma, Alabama, Mississippi, or Washington, check out our Spring events for girls (tweens and teens) and moms at vickicourtney.com!
