Sunday, May 15, 2011

Lolita fashion and the sexualization of children


One of the major arguments people outside of the lolit sub-culture have is that it promotes the sexualization of children. I strongly feel that this is brought on by the fact that we- as a culture refuse to believe that someone would make what appears to be such an unnatural choice of fashion without it stemming from some sort of fetish. Yes, it is commonly believed that what is not "normal" is abnormal in the very worst way. "Don't you think you're making men feel that it's okay to daydream and fantasize about little girls?". Agh, how many times poor girls, dressed in their lolita have been subject to these offensive questions. Perhaps they don't realize how truly unfair and brutal these inquiries are. Lolita does in no way promote anything sexual. What horrible examples have lolitas set for the rest of womanhood and girlhood alike?
That we shouldn't wear our skirts too short?
That we shouldn't be in a hurry to grow-up?
That we shouldn't dress to please men, but instead to please our selves?
Lolita teaches us that femininity can be strong. That we, as girls have the power and ability to cast off the shackles of conformity. Lolita teaches girls to value modesty and to respect themselves as well as others.

However, I'm not claiming that the sexualization of children in the US and all over the world isn't a growing problem. Mini-skirts, low-cut shirts, and VERY mature high-heeled boots- While many women would consider such clothing appropriate for themselves, they must keep in mind that as women, we set an example for little girls. Do you remember when you wear little and would play house, or mother your little dolls? You were unconsciously mimicking your mother- the first woman to influence you. But as children reach the age of 7 or so, they begin to notice the other women around them, and...maybe unconsciously mimic them as well. They look up to us, they follow our example. And what do little girls see on TV, on billboards, and within the music industry? They see women presenting themselves in a scanty and inappropriate way. This so-called "normal" society we consider a "healthy environment" is the very thing poisoning our children. So is the problem of sexualization the result of women dressing like children, or children dressing like woman? Who would you rather have little girls learning from, the picture at the top of this post which features a sweet lolita, or the picture below which features some of today's most popular woman in pop-culture.

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