I think it would have been easier to teach a boy to be respectful towards girls rather than having to watch my little girl grow up in such a sexualized society.
Not sure what I mean? Go to the babies section next time you're at target and peruse some of the onesies. I've recently seen ones for babies with sayings on them such as "pretty as a princess", "prettier than mommy", and "I'm cute and loving it". And if they're not about looks, they're not positive either: "Spoiled Rotten" and "Whatever mom doesn't get me, Grandma will" were ones that absolutely made me cringe.
Now, you may say "come on, what's so wrong with that?", I say alot. The messages being sent to young girls before they can even talk is that their looks are their most important asset. Ever look at the boys section? Rarely do the onesies ever say anything about their looks. They say something about sports or how they're all-stars.
Why don't girls deserve the same positive messages?
Still not convinced? A recent study has found that 80% of 3rd grade girls have felt fat at some point, and 50% have said that they have tried dieting to lose weight.
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| a woman demonstrating how much would have to be cut off for her to be a Barbie doll. |
All of my friends keep telling me that they're going to buy me a barbie doll for this baby, and I cringe everytime they say that. In case you've never heard my speech, here it goes.
Barbie dolls are based off of a real woman, Barbara Handler, who attempted to break the world record for plastic surgeries to achieve the perfect body. The producers of the Barbie doll used her as the image of perfect female beauty, and now we have the barbie doll.
Why would we ever want to teach our daughters that (1) beauty is their most important asset, or that (2) we must look like barbie dolls to be beautiful?
This is literally a topic that I could go on for hours about. But I guess what I'm saying is that I'm scared to raise a daughter in this unrealistic beauty-obsessed world.
Watch this video if you have the chance. If you've ever taken a class with me or read my thesis, I've probably already made you watch it, but it's worth the minute and a half.
I totally agree with this. It is so sad what girls are going through now. I'm definitely not letting any of my girls have barbies. And I haven't really looked at baby girl clothes except the really weird stuff I see on my friends kids, so I hadn't noticed the trend, but that onesie makes me want to throw up. But luckily your little girl will have you as a mom. ;D
ReplyDeleteI'm sure I don't need to tell you this - but that's exactly why you're having a girl. Because you're Amber, and you're always game for the not-so-easy tasks. God is giving you her so that you can teach her how to love herself for who she is and be proud of the beautiful body that is growing for her right now, even if the beauty industry says something is wrong with it :). You're having a girl because, 132 days from now, you're going to be the best mom in the entire world for that little sweet thing :) loves!!! so excited it's a girl!!!
ReplyDeleteyou're going to be the best mom ever!!! and that onsie makes me want to vomit.
ReplyDeleteAmber, while I abhor Barbie dolls and all they represent, I am afraid you have the history of the Barbie doll a bit mistaken. "Barbara Handler" was the daughter of "Ruth Handler" who was inspired to create the Barbie doll. At that time, there were only infant dolls and she felt there was a niche for an older doll. It was based on a German doll named Bild Lilli. There have been numerous women who have undergone cosmetic surgeries in a twisted attempt to make themselves into a "real life Barbie doll." Perhaps the most notorious is Sarah Burg, who had fifty-one cosmetic procedures to achieve the "Barbie doll look."
ReplyDeleteYOU raise the daughter you want to raise. Limit or remove television. Excellent place to start.
By the way, the statistics on the number of cosmetic surgeons in the Wasatch Front at skewed by the fact that the medical facilities are superior so the surgeon practice there but draw patients from Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Nevada, Colorado, and Arizona. The prices are also among the lowest in the country. As someone who has lost 150, I may be returning to Salt Lake City for my skin reduction, simply because it is half the price of having it done in pricey Florida. There IS an upside! I do not think it is a bad thing to take pride in a strong, fit body that I have worked so incredibly hard to achieve at age fifty-one. :D
Taylor,
ReplyDeleteI'm not really sure who you are, or where you live, but I don't see how you can find this post offensive in any way. I'm simply stating the fact that women are portrayed as sexualized objects in this society - a well-known fact. I've done a lot of research on this topic, and I can provide sources to back up all of my claims.
And I never said anything about how it would be "a bad thing to take pride" in your body. I'm saying that in Utah, women have even lower body satisfaction rates, and it's a real issue. In fact, what I'm advocating for is for everyone to feel beautiful without obsessing over it or seeking the help of unnecessary plastic surgery.
However, I'm afraid with the way that the media portrays the female form, women all over america will continue to grow up in constant discontent with themselves.
Oh Amber, this is just sad. :(
ReplyDeleteYou do not "know who I am or where I live?" I am your AUNT, your husband's mother's baby sister. Perhaps you remember me from the wedding gift I sent or the maternity clothes that were lost?
I was not "offended" by your blog. I find you to be a very free-minded, intelligent, spirited young woman. I *like* that in a person! However, your facts regarding the Barbie doll were mistaken and I corrected them.
Yes, body image and early sexualization of our young girls is an enormous problem and I have studied the issue for quite a few years too. I too have a degree in psychology, as well as a degree in business.
I live in Florida (since you asked) but I was partially educated in Utah (two undergraduate degrees) and still claim it as my home with enormous pride. Unlike you, I *love* Utah and would never disparage it. I am very familiar with the stats on cosmetic surgeons as I worked in the Wasatch Front medical field and still have many friends there. (Six years at Primary Children's Medical Center, three years at Holy Cross, 3 years at Alta View, 2 years at Cottonwood Hospital.) My graduate degree was earned in Florida. I am hoping to return to the medical field, depending on how I do on the MCAT.
My ONLY message to you was that YOU can raise a strong, independent, self-confident daughter, in your own image. You do not have to let the media raise her. You can be an incredible role model. My sister is an incredible role model, even though we are as different as sisters can be, she is a real hero to me. Her children adore her and her family is very close-knit. What higher success is there?
You and Jeff are living about two blocks from my first (married) house. I have so many memories of that area. I wanted to be a "real aunt" to you but when I reach out to you and Jeff, I am never answered.
Best of luck with the baby. I am guessing from this conversation, you will NOT be naming her after me? ;)
Your Aunt Stephani