Am I the only one that gets upset about this? | ExpatWoman.com
 

Am I the only one that gets upset about this?

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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 08:32

I have had some women tell me, "its not big deal, just girls being girls"....but I strongly disagree...ladies am I the only one?

http://jezebel.com/#!5786039/abercrombie--fitch-introduces-padded-bikini...

I think girls are being thrown into adulthood too early :(

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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 11:47
Actually, padding isn't [i'>all[/i'> bad. DD wears VERY LIGHTLY padded bras; not to make her boobs look bigger (and the bras don't), but to smooth her silhouette. She's at the stage where her developing chest is quite noticeable (in a sticky-outty kind of way) and a light padding makes her boobs look more like small, smooth round bumps and less like coat pegs. ok for adolescents but not pre-pubescent girls. I wear slightly padded bras to cover my chapel hat pegs!
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 21:12
http://tinyurl.com/6xtd3jm
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 20:50
Actually, padding isn't [i'>all[/i'> bad. DD wears VERY LIGHTLY padded bras; not to make her boobs look bigger (and the bras don't), but to smooth her silhouette. She's at the stage where her developing chest is quite noticeable (in a sticky-outty kind of way) and a light padding makes her boobs look more like small, smooth round bumps and less like coat pegs. I'm definitely having a failure in the imagination department this evening. As with beef mince that could be mistaken for lamb's mince, I can't "see" a coat peg chest (speaking as one who wears a wide shelf up front).
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 19:52
Actually, padding isn't [i'>all[/i'> bad. DD wears VERY LIGHTLY padded bras; not to make her boobs look bigger (and the bras don't), but to smooth her silhouette. She's at the stage where her developing chest is quite noticeable (in a sticky-outty kind of way) and a light padding makes her boobs look more like small, smooth round bumps and less like coat pegs.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 19:38
Oh, I agree Advice Seeker, totally agree about the padded swimsuit, that is absolutely crossing the line. I was referring more to the one-shoulder tops, skinny jeans and sparkly sequins - that type of "adult" clothing..... I do think some of the adult looking clothes are really cute, but sometimes it just gets taken too far and looks wrong, and the padded bikini is just weird, hope it doesn't take off!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 18:18
Oh, I agree Advice Seeker, totally agree about the padded swimsuit, that is absolutely crossing the line. I was referring more to the one-shoulder tops, skinny jeans and sparkly sequins - that type of "adult" clothing.....
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 18:15
The great debate about wearing 'decent' clothes in Middle Eastern countries; one view is that it is out of respect for the host country. The other view could be that say by covering up, especially when it is not required of one's personal culture and religious outlook, the wearer is sub-consciencely re-enforcing the view that a woman's body is "bad" and needs to be hidden. The same could be possibly said for this whole adult clothes for kids debate. If we don't allow our children to wear this type of clothing, are we in a way, allowing child molesters to run our lives? And creating negative body views for our kids. But if we allow them to 'wear what they want' and have the "I won't allow someone else to dictate how I conduct my life" view, is this wrong as well? But essentially, why is padding put into a swimsuit? Its not just a nice accessory, its to make woman (well apparently now children) appear to have larger breasts, and larger breasts are essentially to make a woman look more "fertile"
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 18:12
The great debate about wearing 'decent' clothes in Middle Eastern countries; one view is that it is out of respect for the host country. The other view could be that say by covering up, especially when it is not required of one's personal culture and religious outlook, the wearer is sub-consciencely re-enforcing the view that a woman's body is "bad" and needs to be hidden. The same could be possibly said for this whole adult clothes for kids debate. If we don't allow our children to wear this type of clothing, are we in a way, allowing child molesters to run our lives? And creating negative body views for our kids. But if we allow them to 'wear what they want' and have the "I won't allow someone else to dictate how I conduct my life" view, is this wrong as well?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 18:01
I'm against this 110% - disgusting. But (unfortunately though) there must be a 'demand' for this type of kidult clothing as it's been around for a few years now. The demand like anything would not be there if it was not produced Not necessarily. If there were no sales of these items, then the manufacturers would (hopefully) realize their products are not wanted in the market and stop production. Why would they keep making items that don't sell?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 17:56
I'm against this 110% - disgusting. But (unfortunately though) there must be a 'demand' for this type of kidult clothing as it's been around for a few years now. The demand like anything would not be there if it was not produced
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 17:44
ahhh... I don't get it, why would a tiny tot need a padded bikini?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 17:42
I'm against this 110% - disgusting. But (unfortunately though) there must be a 'demand' for this type of kidult clothing as it's been around for a few years now.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 17:29
You do have to wonder about the people who would design such things for little girls. I mean what goes through their head, to even think that's acceptable? One does wonder about ethic's how many designers are " Green " but yet may design in appropriate clothing for under 16 year olds, if it was not available so many problems would not arise for parents and teens. Very true. There should be some sort of check list for what is and what isn't appropriate.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 17:20
You do have to wonder about the people who would design such things for little girls. I mean what goes through their head, to even think that's acceptable? One does wonder about ethic's how many designers are " Green " but yet may design in appropriate clothing for under 16 year olds, if it was not available so many problems would not arise for parents and teens.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 17:17
Thank you for pointing this out , I will clarify myself. I agree with the point " it's the s3xualisation of the minds of the adults who look at them and associate these things with being 's3xy' rather than 'cute'. " Adults minds are not always healthy, but sxxy clothes on children to look like their mother is certainly not cute. AmyAus82 Agree with you ! WaxMuch, I think the point you're trying to make is that it's not the s3xualisation of children - it's the s3xualisation of the minds of the adults who look at them and associate these things with being 's3xy' rather than 'cute'. Once little girls would dress as their mums and it was cute. Now they say 'it's s3xy', when the word s3xy' should never be used to describe a child but because we have access to the media these days we've become aware, like no generation before, of how many sickos there are who do associate that word with a child whereas before no one knew. You agree with what amy aus is saying Jewels, (that the sexualization of small children is in the eye of the veiwer, not the child) and yet openly opine that nipples on toddlers and small children are inappropriate? is it just me who can't get my head round the logic in that?
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 11:50
I always wonder what is going through the minds of the mothers who take their children shopping and let the children pick out inappropriate clothing and pay for those clothes. Why do mothers allow children to dictate their wardrobe? Of course children want to look like the ads they see or the displays in the window or the way some of their friends dress, but that's where the mother should step in to decide what goes and what doesn't go. It makes my skin crawl when I see the way some young girls are leered at because of the way they are dressed, more so in the UAE, but in the US as well. If a mother thinks her daughter looks "sexy" she has to realize so will everyone else. Everyday I see a mother who takes her two daughters out to play and walk along the promanade. They wear the most adorable dresses and outfits and I take such pleasure is seeing them as they are so girly. They are dressed the way a child should be dressed. When I was a young girl and wanted something that my mother disapproved of or didn't like, I was told as long as she was paying for it she would decide what I could have. I was also told that when I grew up and got a job I could buy whatever I wanted.
Anonymous (not verified)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 11:17
Thank goodness I have all boys!!!
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 11:15
Have to wonder about the parents who buy these things. However, I hate it when people say it's asking for trouble because it sends the message that men can't be held responsible for their actions. It's about time they were blamed not the females for their clothes. Well she was wearing a short skirt etc. etc. and I can't control myself, it's just wrong. BTW 16 year olds going to parties will find a way to get out wearing what they want, that's nothing new!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 11:11
Its not just bikinis. Just look at some of the clothes they have on sale for little girls. Its just ridiculous. DD got a one shoulder pink top (tight as heck) for her 1st birthday and DH and I were just disgusted by it. The clothes I see young girls wearing (think 7-12 ) are just ridiculous - tight tight tight, flashing their mid riffs, off shoulder, insanely short skirts, trashy black outfits with studs on them! Who designs this rubbish? edited by kcinthecity on 27/03/2011 <em>edited by kcinthecity on 27/03/2011</em>
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 10:47
Mr Freckles flatly refuses to let DD (now 5) wear a bikini. She has some beautiful 1 pieces and a couple of tankinis. If we are in our garden etc she runs around in just a pair of knickers but at the beach or pool she wears her swim suits or tankinis. I personally don't like small girls in skimpy bikinis, not to mention that they have no sun protection whatsoever. It just looks wrong to me and Mr F would never allow it anyway. Me too, i prefer to see just bottoms on or once the sun is around rash vests and sun suits.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 10:39
Mr Freckles flatly refuses to let DD (now 5) wear a bikini. She has some beautiful 1 pieces and a couple of tankinis. If we are in our garden etc she runs around in just a pair of knickers but at the beach or pool she wears her swim suits or tankinis. I personally don't like small girls in skimpy bikinis, not to mention that they have no sun protection whatsoever. It just looks wrong to me and Mr F would never allow it anyway.
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 09:50
AmyAus82 Agree with you ! WaxMuch, I think the point you're trying to make is that it's not the s3xualisation of children - it's the s3xualisation of the minds of the adults who look at them and associate these things with being 's3xy' rather than 'cute'. Once little girls would dress as their mums and it was cute. Now they say 'it's s3xy', when the word s3xy' should never be used to describe a child but because we have access to the media these days we've become aware, like no generation before, of how many sickos there are who do associate that word with a child whereas before no one knew. You agree with what amy aus is saying Jewels, (that the sexualization of small children is in the eye of the veiwer, not the child) and yet openly opine that nipples on toddlers and small children are inappropriate? is it just me who can't get my head round the logic in that?
Anonymous (not verified)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 09:39
to answer the OP. no you're not the only one that gets upset with this, there's a campaign in the UK run by a parenting website specifically addressing this issue. http://www.mumsnet.com/campaigns/let-girls-be-girls
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 09:31
You do have to wonder about the people who would design such things for little girls. I mean what goes through their head, to even think that's acceptable?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 09:29
I was shopping a few weeks ago and in the childrens area there were lace undies for 3 year olds. I thought that was way too much. It reminded me of that incident in Australia several years ago of the little girl (2 years old) being taken from her home and raped by the ex military officer on the roof of a public toilet, and when they found her body she had lace underwear and a bra on - he'd 'dressed her up' as a woman. Where does this get in their minds? I'm sure making kiddie size ladies wear just makes the connection easier for them. I agree because it justifies in their minds, that if "the product exists, its for a reason and clearly I am not the only who likes this stuff, if its sold?" sick.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 09:27
Kim you just wait and see how difficult it is going to be now you are coming to teenage years. Good you have managed so far. it can be very difficult. I realise it will be difficult and some of my 12 year old daughter's friends are already into looking older. We went to a pool party the other week and a couple of the girls looked 20 in their string bikini's, then there was mine with her sunshirt and boardies over her tankini. The girl who had the party went to the school disco in six inch heels, black skinny jeans, black push up bra and black singlet top, with full makeup and hair up in an adult style, we couldn't believe her mum had let her out of the house like it. But my girls are at the dance studio six days a week as well as school swimming, aerobics, dance team, choir and strings. The older girls they've been dancing with and hanging out with since they were toddlers are pretty much the same as they were in their pre-teens, good respectful girls with no tattoos and body piercings, who dress beautifully but not over the top tarty. Hopefully my girls will continue to look up to them and aspire to going to university to do dance like they are and not get caught up in too much out of control weekend partying.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 09:27
I don't like it either. DD who's 12 needed a new bikini and all the ones that fit her I don't like. They are the same shape top as in the article and think the bottoms are too 'brief'. What happened to just being a kid? I didnt want a bikini till I was 17. Oh? Okay. Well, I was wearing bikini bottoms [generally with little ruffles!'> when tiny and had the top + bottom from when I was about eight years' old. Little two-piece outfits were de rigeur when I was growing up, and I was born in the 'sixties. :) I do see your point re the wearing of 'adult' bikinis, but showing a bit of tummy when you're a child isn't exactly going to set the world on fire, if donned appropriately. It's when -- as others have pointed out -- they're padded and spangled and g-stringed and emblazoned with come-hither emblems that this becomes a worry, in my humble opinion. It does bother me that there is a different cultural understanding of what makes a child look 's£xy' as opposed to Just Being A Child. It's a conundrum because as someone pointed out, if showing nipples -- even in a pre-developed young girl -- is frowned upon in certain places, then covering them up with a tee-shirt inscribed with 'Old Enough to Know Better; Too Young To Care' is somewhat of a tease, isn't it? ;) And I've seen plenty of young non-Western children who are covered up yet 'teasing' if it comes to that ... . edited by WaxMuch on 27/03/2011 see my below post to aroha, i meant i didn't want a grown up bikini till I was older. It wouldnt have even crossed my mind to ask for a push up bikini top at the age of 8.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 09:18
AmyAus82 Agree with you ! WaxMuch, I think the point you're trying to make is that it's not the s3xualisation of children - it's the s3xualisation of the minds of the adults who look at them and associate these things with being 's3xy' rather than 'cute'. Once little girls would dress as their mums and it was cute. Now they say 'it's s3xy', when the word s3xy' should never be used to describe a child but because we have access to the media these days we've become aware, like no generation before, of how many sickos there are who do associate that word with a child whereas before no one knew.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 09:09
I don't like it either. DD who's 12 needed a new bikini and all the ones that fit her I don't like. They are the same shape top as in the article and think the bottoms are too 'brief'. What happened to just being a kid? I didnt want a bikini till I was 17. Oh? Okay. Well, I was wearing bikini bottoms [generally with little ruffles!'> when tiny and had the top + bottom from when I was about eight years' old. Little two-piece outfits were de rigeur when I was growing up, and I was born in the 'sixties. :) I do see your point re the wearing of 'adult' bikinis, but showing a bit of tummy when you're a child isn't exactly going to set the world on fire, if donned appropriately. It's when -- as others have pointed out -- they're padded and spangled and g-stringed and emblazoned with come-hither emblems that this becomes a worry, in my humble opinion. It does bother me that there is a different cultural understanding of what makes a child look 's£xy' as opposed to Just Being A Child. It's a conundrum because as someone pointed out, if showing nipples -- even in a pre-developed young girl -- is frowned upon in certain places, then covering them up with a tee-shirt inscribed with 'Old Enough to Know Better; Too Young To Care' is somewhat of a tease, isn't it? ;) And I've seen plenty of young non-Western children who are covered up yet 'teasing' if it comes to that ... . <em>edited by WaxMuch on 27/03/2011</em>
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 09:08
You may have grown up in a closed gated community . erm so it's ok for the boys to run around as children without tops on then? See you're already s.e.xualizing girls from a young age by stating such things. And sorry but that is wrong, you've already taken away the innocence and imprinted adult attributes to them by saying that. I grew up in Saudi as a child and ran around in the buff the majority of the time, no issues. edited by Chocs01 on 27/03/2011 Regular trips to the beach and whatnot were not much different. But girls shouldn't be forced to grow up before they need to. But I guess in certain societies where they're married off at 12 and above, they're already robbed of their childhoods and innocence anyway. Sad, sad, sad. Whatever happened to children being allowed to be children.
 
 

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