By Melissa Chapman
About the Writer:
Melissa Chapman and her brood of three live in the urban, concrete jungle of NYC – that’s two kids and her dog. Oh and she’s got a husband too.
There's been a hailstorm of controversy brewing over a recent French Vogue photo shoot involving a 10-year-old girl essentially equating it to the early sexualization of our little girls. To be honest -- the images of this little girl, with her lips parted ever so slightly, and a come hither look in her body language and facial expressions is a little off-putting to say the least. But honestly, I think the entire modeling industry's practice should be called into question, and parading this 10 year-old girl around in her high heel pumps and couture that belongs on the body of a fully developed woman is just one of so many flaws inherent in the modeling industry's practices. In my opinion, would it be any better if she were 15? Some might say yes -- and I say no.
I don't think I'm prudish by anyone's standards; I'm in touch with my sexuality and of course I want my daughter to be able to have an open and honest dialogue with me about hers. But, what is the rush? Why would I even want her to fathom taking on such issues and ideas at an age when there is so much yet to be discovered and uncovered that has nothing to do with sex. Why would I want to even have those thoughts penetrating her consciousness at an age when her head should be filled with pursuits like ballet, math, cooking, friendships and well -- so many more important, life affirming experiences.
When you start introducing high heels, makeup and tight fitting clothing and encouraging your daughter to don a belly shirt (or not railing against the idea of it) whether you care to admit it or not -- you, as a parent are contributing to the early sexualization of your child. And that's the key point here -- as a parent -- at 10 years old, we can still wield a fair amount of control and influence over our daughters. They still want to hear our opinion. They still want our approval. Five years from now -- they might not. So now is your chance, parents -- to keep your daughter a kid -- to keep her from even adventuring into the realm of sexuality and having to see her body as anything more than its utilitarian uses -- that it gets her from point A to point B. So truthfully, while I don't endorse these magazine spreads with young girls, acting far older than they appear, I certainly won't be encouraging my daughter to follow in their footsteps. And ultimately her early sexualization, as far as I'm concerned will be staved off for as long as possible, by me, her mother.
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I agree 100% with your opposition regarding this subject matter. The media and their overall upbringing contributes to the issue of early sexualization. With a television rating system that barely covers up the derogatory portrayal of women and magazines covered in scantly dressed models and celebrities it is pretty hard to shield our daughters. However, it is not a lost cause; simply turn the tv off and encourage them to focus on other things. I recall seeing a documentary where a young girl in India had no clue who Beyonce was and it was quite amazing because in America she is a living god lol but its a testament that proves that differences in culture and attitudes towards media can effect a young girls life. Is is cool to have a tiny 10 year old pose sexy in French Vogue? In my opinion, NO but where my no stands someone in the editorial department, her household and beyond though it was..
Change starts at home.
Zanade
Posted by: Zanade Mann | August 08, 2011 at 06:17 PM
I sooo agree with your view point on this matter. I am the mother of 6 children and the grandmother of 4 girls. My opinion has made an impact on the new generation of our girls. Our 2 daughters have always been very vigilant about protecting their daughters innocence in every sense of the word. This is not something we can be complacent about if we want them to become strong healthy women and caregivers someday. It weakens them and makes them vulnerable to the most vile elements of the world when we allow them to have their innocence taken away for the sake of our own vanities and insecurities. I sew for a living and will not provide any services that involve the exploitation of children. We are responsible for protecting our children both collectively and as individuals.
Posted by: katrinka booth | October 10, 2011 at 11:54 AM
The responsibility starts at home!!! Who in the Heck encourage such a thing, or shall i say "What real mother in her right mind will put her daughter up for display like this,but America as became a country that's all about dollar$$$$$, parents will sell their own children soul to the devil himself if they no they will become rich and popular off them which in this case with the 10yrs old posing for Vogue have. My heart bleeds for the young people today on this earth, theirs is not enough disciple going on in the home,not enough love being shown and most important kids growing up without having a 2 parent household,my heart BLEEDS< BLEEDS< BLEEDS for our youth. Parents needs to stop trying to be their children friend and start being their parents,and kids these days want discipline, the wanna be told no,but the government slowly taking away our rights as parents whether we wanna accept it or not,so i'm going to continue to do what i no to do and that is pray for our young!!!!! God in Heaven Bless America.
Posted by: Ms.Jones | October 11, 2011 at 10:41 AM