Children and Sex

Yesterday in my Equal Employment Law class we were discussing gender stereotyping and workplace grooming codes. One student brought up the potential harm caused by the sexualization of young women working in places where they are told they need to look a certain way (i.e. sexy or pretty).

It turns out that the negative consequences are real. Women who are oversexualized at a young age face higher rates of depression and low self-esteem.

These days, according to this article (thanks CNN), that sexualization is starting earlier than ever. This appears to be an ongoing trend, not just a passing phase. I'm sure I'm not the only one who remembers the South Park episode "Stupid Spoiled Whore Video Playset."

I know I personally have seen little girls dressed like sorority girls on more than one occasion, and it makes me glad that my parents dressed me in windsuits and cat sweaters until I reached middle school.

I probably don't have any right to speak on this topic, as I'm not a parent, but here goes. What are people thinking? Childhood is short enough. Don't make it any shorter.