It’s been years since the fight to stop sexualisation in the media started, but it looks like we have the newest addition to our ‘stop’ list. Women are not only objectified but are seen as these things or toys for sexual pleasure. When women are seen showing their skin, they are often tagged as a ‘slut’ or ‘whore’.
But is the problem really the clothes women wear or society’s mentality? It’s definitely the latter. ‘What women want, women wear’ — this phrase is particularly popular since our society started calling the clothes that women wear as an invitation for getting raped. But this is not the topic for today’s discussion.
Clothing is an essential part of our lifestyle and shopping for clothes is something we all love to do. A few months ago, my mom and I were at the mall and shopping for my 10-year-old cousin. We found ourselves going to several stores and buying just a pair or two of clothes. Why? Because mostly, all of the children’s clothing was way more mature than for her age. That made me realise that what I was facing that day is one of the problems mothers encounter every day.
A popular American online shop brand that sells children’s clothing calls its products ‘cool’ or ‘diva defining’ when in reality, its products have collapsible heels, pointed toes and a visual representation of a kid’s chest. Society has started to hold young girls to the same messed up standards for women and it’s not okay.
A study was conducted that showed that “Of all clothing items, 31% has sexualising features.” This is a part where the problem lies. And for those who are still wary that clothes are sexualised, I bet this photo will convince you to hop on the bandwagon.
There is no point in producing products like this because no mother would want their children to wear this while going anywhere outside. I bet she wouldn’t want her to wear this at home either. The product is just absurd and is not healthy for visualising breasts under the name of patterns. This is what makes people turn their heads at you.
Adult clothing of children is now a trend amongst brand owners. I’ve seen plenty of products that say Wild child. We really need to stop this. Young girls don’t sexualise themselves the way society does and this picture right here is the perfect example of how they do it. And the harsh reality is that this will play a huge part in the women these girls become.
Society will first sexualise young girls and then they will become the first ones to point it out.
Is the attempt to encourage children to wear mature clothing really healthy? Is it healthy that we are promoting attitudes of disrespect of ourselves and others amongst children? And most importantly, are we stealing their innocence from them?
We as a society need to change and stop sexualising clothes that are impacting one’s view of themselves. It’s high time that we start answering these questions and build a society where children, young women or any human being are not forced to wear sexualised products.