My reaction to this shared reading is it is absolutely true
every bit of it and very alarming for our young children. Unfortunately, we live in a much sexualized
society in which we think teen thongs and American Pie are cute and funny. However, what it is doing to our society and
young children is not letting them be children and saying this is who society
accepts and your self-image should reflect that. I currently have a student in my class she is
5 and getting ready to go kindergarten and on numerous occasions she has
displayed sexual behaviors or comments. She
dances very provocative to kids music, she always ask the boys if she is pretty
and often gets very jealous when a boy she likes plays with another girl. I caught her yesterday licking and sucking
her arm at nap and when I asked her what she was doing she stated she was
kissing a boy. I have addressed this issue
several times with the parents and each time they state they do not know where
she is getting this from because they do not watch those types of media but,
the abundance of knowledge she displays about sex tells me otherwise.
The examples of sexualization I see in messages impacting
children are in Cartoons such as Johnny Bravo, SpongeBob, and the innuendo of
children’s movies such as Creedo or ParaNorman.
The fact that Nickelodeon has two separate channels one for the children
ages birth to 5 and then for 6 and up is a very good indication of the media
portrayed in such shows as Sam & Cat and Big Time Rush. I recently went on their website also and
videos of Justin Bebier and Selena Gomez were up. I mean heck Justin is on the acne commercial what
boy does not want to look like him and what girl doesn't want him!
Unintentionally or not the message displayed in cartoons and
different types of media is giving young children a perception in their mind of
what is socially acceptable to be or look like.
Self-image is such a critical
development for children and can be until adulthood. Influencing them to be a certain type can be life
changing to their development and overall self-esteem. We see younger and younger and younger
children even boys dealing with being bulimic or anexoric even though there is
an obesity crisis. We are killing
children and their innocents and the sad part is we don’t even know it. We just think it is cute that John or Jane wants
to be like their mom or dad or a pop star.
Levin, D. E., & Kilbourne, J. (2009). [Introduction].
So sexy so soon: The new sexualized childhood and what parents can do to
protect their kids (pp. 1-8). New York: Ballantine Books. Retrieved from: http://dianeelevin.com/sosexysosoon/introduction.pdf
Michele,
ReplyDeleteI had the same reaction of yes, it is happening all around us. I find it interesting, too, when I have talked with parents about questionable behavior and they can't figure out where their children are picking up on these things. I try to approach them in a non-accusing away and let them know I realize pop culture is flooded with provocative images; but, at least we are planting the seed that they need to monitor and filter what their children are seeing and hearing. Good post, Michele!
Michele,
ReplyDeleteIt is very unfortunate that young children are being bombarded with messages of sexualization. It is everywhere. Sexualization is toxic. It is our responsibility as early childhood professionals to guide families and children to develop a positive self-identity. We must teach children to respect and value themselves for who they are, not what they are inundated with.
I enjoyed reading your post.
Thanks for sharing,
Crystal
Hi Michele,
ReplyDeleteYou are right. Message displayed in cartoons and different types of media is giving young children a perception in their mind of what is socially acceptable to be or look like. The messages displayed even in cartoons for the little ones give them ideas about what it means to be a boy and girl and about the nature of sex and sexuality. Cartoons like Tom and Jerry which is meant even for babies have Tom kissing his ‘girl friend’ from head to toe. You are absolutely right. We are killing the innocence of these little children. As an early childhood educator, what we can do is to provide opportunities to think critically so that children will be encouraged to take action for making life better for themselves and others and gain confidence to create a positive change.
I certainly agree with you statement: "Self-image is such a critical development for children and can be until adulthood." Children do as they see. It's much like the little girl watching mom put on make up. As soon as moms not looking she's in there make her face look like moms. The only difference is mom has experience. And when she grows up she'll become skilled. I used this example because it happened to me. My daughter did what she saw me do. Now that she's older she has become very skilled. Thank you.
ReplyDelete