CBC Marketplace: Buying into Sexy

CBC Marketplace: Buying into Sexy

Whoever didn't see Marketplace last Sunday should check out the web version of the show. It was about the sexually provocative products and images taken in by preteen girls. Unfortunately, while it was clear that Marketplace wanted to discourage this practice, by only featuring the helpless sort of parents who just give into their girl's demands because they don't want their poor little dears to be left out. Featuring some strong parents would have shown another way of parenting (i.e. saying no once in a while, teaching virtues).

Our stance? Our kids aren't there yet, but we've talked about what we will do. First off, we will never subscribe to Much Music. Second, the kids will not spend money without us there in their pre teen years. Third, when they are old enough to shop on their own, we'll give them clear guidelines on acceptable clothes. The mantra if they get something inappropriate? "Return it or burn it." Most importantly, the kids featured have NO idea of the effect of how they dress. And they shouldn't, because they're too young. But when old enough, kids should hear from their Dads how the male mind functions. It's ridiculous in our society that we condemn adults who feel sexually attracted to kids while we are simultaneously dressing kids up to be sexually attractive.