Sexualization of children

     Sex is everywhere! From an early age, children are inundated with sexual images every single day. Parents are sexualizing their children at alarming rates—maybe unintentionally or maybe not. My eyes could not believe this video clip.  (Please don’t watch if you are easily offended by children acting like adults. Also, you must sign in to YouTube to view.) This is a new dance called “twerking.” My definition of twerking is gyrating your sexual organs to music imitating sexual acts with one’s clothes on.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyDiPsEgNdU&ytsession=tSSZLQx3UfttWXaN7QzIM3PAcbQa20bGi5C9e2o6EpHuVivwlAfszD7og2nKBkYNzSODi2XqR0nvOf5gNkScNtwleQnj_--URUYFj5-vCoO3WPcd3CT4LOHCNFcto1mPFulU5WVxWCoM4or_RBH4VFhQODLzhzE6mItjeV1IOl-kiqbQDCpIenXhjr98mjIBpa5TR_7A2oPbGod0UGfdTQ8d36AveWqP0_Fip1yi3ffIEdA_XYnWa4o0QMx0M7GnPdK4Jb0qTjrR6X5_W4nUqHPG43HZ4pUPXP5Pw23JE15NkE3vwO2CYFMt7U1vpSeNGrYST5Na76PUgvYHdyYiOKEWZf-ZvGrWCZXLCk9eamfWXyjbVQYsSUtmRf1Qkg5018T02zjox0RYIFxK-D5IQlX4lq2L0XiNlOiB66Y0PfjXM3aPIgCOIGm7BPUQKcqRq_KHgUnkU9ChyOLkg6StRSfnr1zmw85fsaLE_vdzZ_vnmw6Rbd5h8A8Ga39wLdzgZJpAdVrBask   I agree with the authors who say, “Children as young as four learning to gyrate to songs in ways that might have stunned grown-ups a few decades ago” (Levin & Kilbourne, 2009, p. 2). As  a child, I can remember being reprimanded for sing a song called,  “Let it Whip!” I had a strict family upbringing.  My opinion is when children are allowed to perform these types of dances or wear sexy clothing; it is putting sex on their minds, making certain body parts come alive and making them inquisitive to go the next step.   

     I think children are becoming victims of sexualization because society accepts it as normal.  For example, last semester, a kindergartener entered our school campus wearing an ill fitting uniform and red lipstick.  Yes, she wore it proudly and stated that her mom said “If anyone says something just lie and say it is lip gloss because you have dry lips.” What is really going on? Kindergarten? Should we, as educators, accept this as normal? I don’t think so!  Thanks to the administrative team at my school, the parent was called to give them the opportunity to dress the child compliant with the school districts bylines. Authors iterate, “these children are acting in ways that make perfect sense given the sexualized environment that surrounds them” (Levin & Kilbourne, 2009, p. 2).

     Have you seen the Bratz dolls?   These dolls are dressed in minis and fishnet stockings, tight jeans and skimpy tops.  Dolls are role-models for girls.  Is this the role-model we want for our young children? Do we want to dress our five year old girls like this?  I think the problem is if children commonly view these examples of fashion, they will accept this dress apparel as normal. 

     As an educator, I never equated sexualization with education.  I was never provoked to think about this subject but again, Walden University has roused my awareness and made me think outside of the box.  From this week’s subject, I have learned,  “That these stereotypes and media messages limit opportunities for children to develop as whole people and undermine the very foundation necessary for children to actualize their full potential and to value and respect themselves and others” (Levin & Kilbourne, 2009, p. 6).

References

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