Monday, October 09, 2006

Ads using 'sexy' children rapped

I believe children are being taught the 'nag factor' through ads made to appeal to young children. When they see children such as themselves in these ads, then it automatically gives them the idea they would love to have that same thing themselves.

CHILDREN as young as three are being targeted by advertising for products such as strapless bras, "wet shine" lipstick and skimpy clothing.

A report released yesterday by think tank the Australia Institute, Corporate Pedophilia, found tweens — pre-teens — were increasingly being sexualised in sophisticated ad campaigns as retailers, cosmetic and clothing companies tried to reach younger markets.

The report says that the ads for the tween products draws attention to the differences in males and females - attributes that the young children do not possess as of yet.

The Canberra-based institute found the trend was fast becoming entrenched, with department stores selling "braletts" for three-year-old girls, and magazines with titles such as Totalgirl, Barbie Magazine and Disney Girl thriving.

Of course, the companies never see things the way parents of little children see them.

Simone Bartley, chief executive of advertising agency Saatchi & Saatchi, which handles the David Jones account, said the idea of sexualising children was repugnant.

"We have never, ever eroticised children in any way for any client in any communication," she said.

Dr. Rush is afraid all this sexualisation of young children is going to send the wrong message to pedophiles, and it will make the children more vulnerable. Also, she believes that it may lead to eating disorders in younger children.

Linked at Conservative Cat

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1 Comment:

Anonymous said...

I wonder why this point-of-view NEVER seems to make it into the mainstream media? Actually, there are probably several reasons why. One, the same advertisers selling 'kiddie porn' products are advertising buyers in the media units themselves, sometimes one and the same. Second, there is a lack of 'percieved interest' in this by the public, according to media marketers, who seem to know everything about everything except reality and morality, responsibility and accountability. Not only do they believe that the public does not care enough for it to be 'newsworthy' to them, but they lie to themselves and tell themselves a public outcry is necessary before it becomes 'newsworthy'. What a bunch of pompous, self-serving hypocrites.