Sex is one of the main factors in fashion. Sex sells and so does fashion. Combine the two…and a success?Advertising and media images are encouraging young girls to think more about looks and sexuality rather than inner beauty. This can be devastating to their emotional and physical health. Even barbies and dolls are becoming sex objects (Jayson). This is leading them to think of their bodies as sexual objects. Television, ads, and movies are factors that are influencing women and these young girls. Sexy images of half naked women are used for advertising all over the place.
The National Eating Disorders Association has said one out of every four commercials on T.V. is sending some sign of attractiveness. This is showing the viewer what is attractive. Even video games are becoming an issue. 38% of female characters in these video games are dressed “slutty” (Jason). Researchers have also said that these images make young girls treat their bodies as sex objects as well. These images have also been related to eating disorders depression and low self esteem.
These advertisements are showing girls that a person’s worth comes from girls or mans sexual allure. Bratz dolls wear miniskirts, fishnets, and short shirts which are very sexy and seductive. These dolls are for girls that are 4-6 years of age (Jason). Why are these companies making such provocative dolls, when they are being supplied to such young girls?
Cosmopolitan and Play boy magazines urge women to be sexy in bed, and to attract and satisfy their men. The media is misinforming people and stereotyping women. Many teens and kids turn to the media when wanting to learn about sex. In 2003, David Buckingham and Sara Bragg have proclaimed that two-thirds of teens have gone to the media when wanting to inform themselves about sex ("Sex"). The teens are only learning the positives about sex. They are being shown that need to be dressing provocatively in order to impress people.
My perspective on the whole situation is that sex really has been a factor in teen’s lives. Sex is being idolized now as if it is a thing that you must do to be in the “in crowd”. I think the media need to take a step back in sex. Even though sex sells, is it really worth brainwashing these children? Children should be taught the negatives and positives about having sex. It is being glamorized and accentuated. Sex is a delicate topic and it should be treated as such. It should not be exploited and it needs to be handled by older and wiser people that you trust and talk to.
So no…combining sex and fashion does not make a success. Maybe industry wise you will be more known but knowing that you are giving these kids a bad example of what sex really means, is just digging a bigger hole in your grave. Kids are going to be in our place one day and they will be setting an example for the younger ones. If the advertisements keep brainwashing these kids brains who will be there to set an example for the next generation?
Jayson, Sharon. "Media cited for showing girls as sex objects." USA Today. 02 Feb. 2007. 10 Nov. 2008
"Sex and Relationships in the Media." Media awareness network. 2008. Media awareness network. 10 Nov. 2008
