I’m adding this to my list of reasons why raising a daughter to have great self esteem and great body image in today’s society is SO important.
This toddler girl T-shirt was featured on the front page of ParentDish today:
The creator of this tot nipple tassel T-shirt is trying to be “ironic.” But are people actually buying these shirts for their little girls because they think it’s cute or funny? There are so many young girls who try to dress “sexy” because they think it’s “cool” or because they want to look like one of their pop idols. (Yes, I’m looking at you pole dancing Miley Cyrus).
So do we really need to start this madness at 2 years old? Why even throw something like this T-shirt out into the world even if you are just trying to prove a point about society? Most people probably won’t get it.
On a positive note, back in 2005, this T-shirt was pulled from the shelves of popular teen retailer Abercrombie & Fitch after a group of teen girls organized a boycott against them.
Thank goodness, right? There were a bunch of other really offensive versions as well.
And don’t even get me started about the terrifying reality show, Toddlers & Tiaras. I caught a few minutes of it on TLC the other day and was horrified by the parade of innocent little girls on display. They were flaunting big hair weaves, fake nails, fake eyelashes, tons of spray tan, adult makeup, and expensive designer dresses. They also wore bikinis ! These toddler girls are basically being taught that being pretty, smiley, and polite will get you money and a sparkly crown. It really is disturbing. I heart you, TLC, but this show has GOT TO GO.
Then, there is Tyra Banks. She has always created publicity for her talk show by doing something extreme which also seems to promote a healthy self image message to teen girls. A couple years ago, Tyra started a “So What?” campaign to empower young girls. During one show, her entire audience of young women, and Tyra included, wore red bathing suits with their weight printed on their chests. For this year’s The Tyra Banks Show season premiere on September 8th, Tyra is going to reveal to the world her natural hair by taking out her weave on national television. She wants to encourage women to “own and rock what they’ve got and be proud.” Crazy publicity stunt? Sure. But if her target audience of teen girls gets the message that being strong, fearless, and comfortable in your own skin is important, then props to her.
We need more of that.
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