For this Blog assignment, share your thoughts about the
topic of the sexualization of early childhood:
I have a difficult time observing our youth demonstrating
and participating in sexualization and the messages they are receiving at such
young ages. They are being robbed of
their innocent childhoods.
I agree with
statements made by Levin and Kilbourne (2009), “Both boys and girls are
routinely exposed to images of sexual behavior devoid of emotions, attachment, or
consequences. They learn that sex is the defining activity in relationships, to
the exclusion of love and friendship. They learn that sex is often linked to
violence. And they learn to associate physical appearance and buying the right
products not only with being sexy but also with being successful as a person.
Such lessons will shape their gender identity, sexual attitudes, and values,
and their capacity for relationships, for love and connection, that they take into adulthood”.
Three experiences I
have witnessed that have impacted my thoughts:
My God-daughter has posted pictures of herself displaying an
older sexy attitude on her face book. She is eleven years old. I told her mother I
disagreed with the photos, but mom said no harm was done and she thought they
were cute. Really?
Last year I had a four year old boy and he was totally
obsessed with Bachiman? action figures.
The only way we could get him to communicate with us was to talk this action
figure talk. I was clueless. I had to
talk with mom and she said it was just a phase he was going through.
As I walk down the hall ways I observe 3rd, 4th,
and 5th grade girls dressed in what I would refer to as party
clothes not every day little girl school clothes. We have dress codes but parents seem to overlook
what is appropriate for school.
Children have always been curious about gender
differences. They should be taught
healthy age appropriate differences and as they grow and learn about sexual
behaviors they should be taught about safe sex (old-school) and relationships.
What worries me is what they are being exposed to sex and violence at young
ages without being taught consequences. The sexualization of childhood is
having a profoundly disturbing impact on children’s understanding of gender,
sexuality, and relationships (Levine & Kilbourne, 2009).
Just my thoughts: I
blame these exposures to lack of parenting skills and media advertising. Everywhere
you look you see advertisements for new action figures which represent violence. One show that I know we are all familiar with
is “Toddlers and Tiaras”. I have really
mixed emotions about this show. Personally,
I think it’s just a bit much. And I ask
myself: Who is it about the little ones or their moms?
Reference: Levin, D. E., & Kilbourne, J. (2009).
[Introduction]. So sexy so soon: The new sexualized childhood and what parents
can do to protect their kids (pp. 1-8). New York: Ballantine Books. Retrieved
from: http://dianeelevin.com/sosexysosoon/introduction.pdf
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