We've been talking a lot in class about the over-sexualization of young girls, particularly tweens and teens. There is no doubt that this is happening, and has been happening for some time. However who to blame for this phenomenon has been widely debated for a long time.
In class we have suggested everything from the media, selling the promiscuous standards to beauty to impressionable children, to society, changing it's standards to meet new acceptable norms, to even parental influence, the need for parental figures to see their girls as popular, well-liked teens. However, we haven't looked to closely at corporations selling the provocative clothing targeting younger and younger ages.
Today I read an article about a new line of bathing suits made by Abercrombie and Fitch. The "Ashley Push-up bikini" was first launched by A&F listing it on the kids portion of the website targeting girls ages 7-14. The bikini was meant to be a "push-up" acting in the same manner as a push-up bra would for older girls. A psychologist, Dr. Eileen L. Zurbriggen, leader of an American Psychological Association task force on the sexualization of girls, was outraged by this apparent sexualization of second-graders, calling the company out. In 2007, research conducted by the task force showed a link between sexualization of girls and eating disorders, low-self-esteem, and depression. The company has since recategorized the bathing suit as suitable for older girls.
(The article can be found HERE.)
This reminded me of a similar fight between girls I knew in high school and the same company in 2005. Similar claims (oversexualization of women and sexist tee-shirts) were made against A&F.
Here is a video explaining the current controversy and the incident in 2005:
Here is my question to you: What do you think? Are these claims legitimate? Are the companies at fault here or are the parents? Is this a teaching-tool as suggested by the psychologists on the today show? What is really going on here?
I feel like both the company and parents are at fault, although companies these days will do just about anything to appeal to a larger audience to make a sale, so I can't say I'm really surprised. Parents should expect things like this to be sold and should take a more active stance in choosing appropriate clothes for their children. Just because bikinis are out there does not mean they are appropriate for 7-year olds, and I feel the parents need to be more involved. I blame the companies for advertising inappropriate merchandise to younger kids, but parents are also at fault if they allow their kids to buy them. Like i said before, companies are business - their sole interest is making money. Look at tobacco and cigarette companies - they advertise unhealthy behaviors too, but it takes the effort of a person to purchase these products. Therefore, the blame cannot be put only on companies, but the people who buy their products, as well as their parents if they are a younger age.
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