The Return (?) of Sexism

[kangeiko]

Primark withdraws padded bikini tops - aimed at 7-year-olds. I am without words.

No, actually, I am not. Everyone should go and read Living Dolls: The Return of Sexism by Natasha Walter, where she talks about - shockingly - this exact same trend. For those curious, other examples include:
- Tesco and their pole-dancing kit in the 'toys' section
- Next had a T-shirt with 'so many boys, so little time' for ages 5-6
- Woolworths had a little girl's bed with the type name of 'Lolita'

This is in addition to the mainstreaming of the Playboy logo on stationary and girls' accessories, the idea of page 3 nudity as 'wholesome', and expected sexual behaviour in 'reality TV' shows such as Big Brother.

I will do a more detailed post about this later, but I have too much outrage to cope with work in the afternoon without at least doing a quick post on it.

Comments

[everywherestars.livejournal.com]

I had my own moment of outrage last year when walmart produced these knickers for the 8-10 yr olds...



Indeed. Who does need credit cards when you have a vagina.

I think what worries me more about the primark thing, is not that they're making padded bikinis for kids, (they use child labour, what more can you expect from them) but that there are parents out there actually buying the stuff.

[zoecb.livejournal.com]

Ew! WEIRD.

Jimmy Carr joke: "You know who's to blame for all these paedophiles - sexy kids..."

[kangeiko]

I just... *shakes head*

[kayliemalinza.livejournal.com]

:(

And I thought the romance in Disney movies was bad!

[kangeiko]

inorite?

[monanotlisa.livejournal.com]

WHAT? HOW? WHAT?

[kangeiko]

I KNOW.