VIRGIN BRIDES AND KINKY KIDS.

This blog post explores the differences between cultures and how culture influences perspective, looking at the sexualisation of young girls in comparison to the demand for virgin brides.

Sexualisation is everywhere in Western media. A Sydney Morning Herald article entitled 'How young people are sucked in by raunch culture' discusses the prominent positioning of “raunchy” culture in the media and the effects of such material on young girls, particularly in relation to picture messaging, premature sexualisation, and issues of image and self-worth (Burton, 2013). Just three days prior, Miley Cyrus sparked up controversy with her heavily sexualised and, I would argue, grossly inappropriate performance at the MTV Video Music Awards. Before that, there was Madonna, and now there's even Thylane Blondeau, the 10-year-old Vogue model. Moreover, media articles tell that an 11 year old girl couldn't understand why 'girls should feel ashamed for posting sexy photos online' (Burton, 2013); children's toys such as 'Bratz' dolls suggest young girls emulate poor body image and risqué clothing (Wadyka, 2013); whilst in Britain, girls underwear with the slogan 'dive in' causes a stir amidst parents (Shipman, 2011).

So why are some people – some cultures – so obsessed with this appearance and behaviour? In an increasing number of Western cultures, sexuality is at the forefront of advertising, it's evident in societal values and personal priorities, and therefore it's not surprising that these concerning ideals (Scott, Jackson & Backett-Milburn, 1998) are being carried forward by the youngest generations.

How does this compare to other cultures?

In stark contrast, Phillips notes the rising popularity of hymen repair surgery for young Turkish or Moroccan women in comparison to women from the Netherlands, who, like many from Australia, are not concerned about 'being exposed as sexually active before marriage; it is only those from families and/or communities that attach great weight to a woman being a virgin on marriage who will feel compelled to disguise the loss of their virginity' (2006:15). Phillips goes on to discuss forced marriages, and credits parents 'sexual control of their children' as one of the key reasons (14).

In Australia, the issue most relevant is the sexualisation of youth, however I believe that educational awareness is the best remedy to each extreme. With reference to the 'Draft report on the sexualization of girls' (Skrzydlewska 2012:5-6) teacher training is one of the weightiest suggestions, educating youth on the ramifications of their choices. Educational awareness should also come from sources that are interesting to youth (and note here that I believe boys need to be educated also). One example of such is Vogue's “It's a look” video that was rolled out to 13-year-old school girls in the UK and states that models need personality and wit – not just looks (Lambert 2013). To a 16 or 17-year-old, exposure to this Ted Talk by Cameron Russell (2013) could be effective in highlighting the realities of the media industry, possibly placing sexualisation in perspective once more.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KM4Xe6Dlp0Y

(Ted Talks, 2013)

Words: 490

REFERENCES

Burton, L. (2013). How young people are sucked in by raunch culture. Retrieved from

<http://www.smh.com.au/comment/how-young-people-are-sucked-in-by-raunch-culture-20130827-2so9s.html>

Lambert, V. (2013). Girls - don’t judge yourself on your looks. Retrieved from

<http://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/10296378/Girls-dont-judge-yourself-on-your-looks.html>

Phillips, A. (2006). What is culture? In Arneil, Barbara and Deveaux, Monique and Dhamoon, Rita and Eisenberg, Avigail, (Eds.) Sexual justice / cultural justice. (pp. 15-29). London, UK : Routledge.

Scott, S., Jackson, S., & Backett-Milburn, K. (1998). Swings and roundabouts: risk anxiety and the everyday worlds of children. Sociology, 32 (4), pp. 689-705.

Shipman, T. (2011). High street shops to ban padded bras and 'sexually suggestive' clothes for young girls. Retrieved from

<http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1394123/High-street-shops-ban-clothes-sexualise-little-girls.html>

Skrzydlewska, J. (2013). Draft report on the sexualisation of girls. Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality. pp. 1-9.

Ted Talks. (2013). Cameron Russell: Looks aren't everything. Believe me: I'm a model. Retrieved from

<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KM4Xe6Dlp0Y>

Wadyka, S. (2013). Are Bratz dolls too sexy? Why our little girls are growing up too fast. Retrieved from

<http://healthyliving.msn.com/pregnancy-parenting/kids-health/are-bratz-dolls-too-sexy-1>