My reaction to sexualization is like a light bulb going off.
I did not realize there were separate words for the idea of sexuality. From the
society we live in which makes the idea of sex such a glamour idea, it seems as
though children are confusing the notion of healthy relationships with bad
relationships. The notion of sexualization, which has to do with treating other
people and oneself as objects of sexual desire, is becoming more common in
today’s society.
One example of sexualization I overheard was early this week
at school. A couple of 2nd grade girls were discussing how sexy they
were going to be for their husbands one day. It gained my attention because
instead of these girls talking about what they want to be when they grow up or
the latest show on Disney, they are talking about being sexy.
Another example of sexualization is looking through my
personal facebook and seeing all of my friends post pictures of their 3-5 year
olds, who are dressed like 20 year olds and even worse wearing make-up and fake
nails like grown women.
The last example is of some guys thinking that women are
only there for their sexual desire. This is best shown in bars and or clubs.
Some men don’t go to find a woman of their dreams; they are looking for someone
pretty and willing to have sex. This situation can be a very sad thing to watch
and be victim of.
Examples like this may have negative implications on
children’s sense of healthy development. Children may view themselves only on
the notion of sex instead of actually viewing their self worth being and its
value. Children could view today’s media as being the norm and once it’s time
to have a realistic relationship they end up learning the hard way that it is
not the same, which could lead to unhealthy developments.
This week’s topic helped raise my awareness that
sexualization is not the same as sexuality and or sex. This clarification will help
me in the long run know how to hand the different situation I may come across.
I appreciated your blog and all the points you addressed with the sexualization of young children. Is it not interesting that word is not even in spell check. I find that very sad, and sad to think that children value themselves only if they can be sexy.
ReplyDeleteBarbara
Hi Takeishalyn,
ReplyDeleteAs I read the article, I was enlightened about the many ways that our children are been persuaded into a dangerous life style if it is not halted now. The clothing ads, music videos, and television all play and important role in shaping our children's self-images. Our girls feel the need to have some part of their flesh exposed for the world to see. It just sad, I can recall shopping for shorts this summer with my 14 year old. As we shopped and I kept picking up Bermuda style shorts her eyes kept wondering over to the much shorter low rise shorts. I then told her I am so sorry that society has made you young people feel that you're only cute if your exposing your body by wearing as little clothing as possible. She then looked at me and said "I know rite, mama. But thank you for caring." I refuse to allow my child to feel less that adequate because she doesn't were the little skimpy clothing. Great post Takeishalyn.
Hi Takeishalyn, worldviews and the negative role models that are being presented to our children outweighs the positive. This is really scary because even with some of the childrens movies they are now showing girls and boys kissing and getting a little to close for their age group. This type of image promotes early intimacy in children at a early age. This is why we have to pay close attention to everything that our children engage in even if it is right in our own homes.
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