Posted in Advertising, Beauty Industry, Body Image, Enlighten Education, Fashion Industry, Magazines, Media, Power of Words, Schools, Sexualisation of children, Sport on Nov 3rd, 2009 7 Comments »
The issue of negative body image has officially crossed over into the mainstream public debate. We now have a proposed National Strategy on Body Image, put together by an advisory group appointed by the federal government.
Kate Ellis, the Minister for Youth, put together the group, which was chaired by Mia Freedman, former editor of Cosmopolitan, [...]
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In the lead up end of year dance concerts, and the annual shopping frenzy that surrounds Christmas, this guest post by Sonia Lyne, Program Director for Victoria, and her newest team member, Amanda Hull, is timely.
Amanda begins:
I recently attended my 5-year old cousin’s dance recital. It was the most unsettling experience. I witnessed a group of 40 or [...]
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The poem featured in this YouTube clip is written and performed by Kate Wilson.
Have your girls produced poems, songs or art that explores women’s issues? If so, I’d love to see these.
P.S As promised – big shout out to the hundreds of shiny teen girls I have worked with this past fortnight. I [...]
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Guest post by Enlighten Education’s Victorian Program Director Sonia Lyne:
Why is it that popular culture has now connected the sexual excitement of men with the “empowerment” of women? Why is attaining sexual power through stripping, fishnets and mimicking porn stars seen as the only way to be desired and desirable? Why is sexual power an attribute that we value so highly?
Many women today are [...]
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Unlike most little girl’s dolls, which are designed to represent older teenagers or women, Mattel’s “My Scene, Growing Up Glam” doll openly set out to depict a tween, a girl aged 8-13 years. She is dressed in lace stockings, short skirt, diamante belt, midriff top and wears a full face of heavy make-up ( complete with false eye lashes). [...]
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Posted in Beauty Industry, Body Image, Eating Disorders, Enlighten Education, Magazines, Media, Parents, Resources, Schools, Sexualisation of children on Jun 23rd, 2008 9 Comments »
Thank you to everyone who has responded so favourably to the feature story 60 Minutes ran on our work and the important issue of the sexualisation of our children. For those who missed it here is their story brief:
Little Women
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Reporter: Peter Overton
Producer: Sandra Cleary
You have to wonder what on earth’s happening [...]
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I hate the way the term “girl power” is used to package messages for girls that are anything but empowering! Here are some of my personal “grrrrrs.” All belong straight on the Wall of Shame.
1. www.girl.com.au A web site that claims to be “Empowering Girls Worldwide.” This site is just a huge sell out. Could they push [...]
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There has been much in the media over the last month about the sexualisation of children. I have considered entering the current debate on art versus porn, yet I feel that so much has already been said. The links below will provide an insight into some of the arguments that are still raging:
Art or not, it’s still [...]
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This week I have been asked numerous times to comment on Disney’s 15 year old poster girl Miley Cyrus ( a.k.a Hannah Montana) . There has been much controversy surrounding her provocative Vanity Fair photo shoot and revealing My Space photos.
Mmm…well here are a few thoughts.
First up, the magazine shoot. Most commentators seem to be debating whether [...]
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The letter below was forwarded to me by Julie Gale, founder of Kids Free 2B Kids and a very passionate, active defender of childhood. I was so impressed I asked her permission to share it with you. Keep in mind, Girlfriend is a magazine thats core readership is girls aged between 13 and 14 years.
To: The Editor [...]
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