When we are talking about
sexualization in early childhood we are not talking about sex, sexualization is
not the same as sexuality or sex. “When people are sexualized, their value
comes primarily from their sex appeal, which is equated with physical
attractiveness. This is especially damaging and problematic to children and adolescents
who are developing their sense of themselves as sexual beings” (Levin & Kilbourne, 2009, p. 4).
It is sad to see how sexualization effects children’s self-esteem and
self-worth. It is vital to teach children that they are wonderfully beautiful
unique individuals that have many different aspects of themselves and their
worth should never be based solely on someone else’s opinions.
This is a very difficult task
because everywhere children look on T.V, magazines, the movies, etc., they are
bombarded with these ever changing images on what is “beautiful”, “sexy”, and
“acceptable or in”. “Today’s cultural environment bombards children with
inappropriate and harmful messages. As children struggle to understand what
they see and hear, they learn lessons that can frighten and confuse them. These
lessons can seriously harm their ability to grow up to have healthy attitudes
about themselves and their bodies and to have caring relationships in which sex
is an important part. In the most extreme cases, the media’s incessant
sexualization of childhood can contribute to pathological sexual behavior, including
sexual abuse, pedophilia, and prostitution” (Levin & Kilbourne, 2009, p. 4).
Sexualization of early childhood makes me angry, children should be able to just
be children. It is essential to see the negative effects sexualization and educate
children and adults about it.
I was surprised that my niece for
one got a boyfriend in the sixth grade, age 12 and has had the same boyfriend for
the last two years. My friend’s son got a note about how handsome he was and if
he would be the note writers boyfriend, her son is in kindergarten. I went to see
an end of year talent show with a friend and the songs and dances these little children
were singing and dancing to were surprising. We may look as some of these things
and think what is the big deal they are cute. But the problem is “Today’s
cultural environment bombards children with inappropriate and harmful messages.
As children struggle to understand what they see and hear, they learn lessons
that can frighten and confuse them” (Levin & Kilbourne, 2009, p. 4).
They see and learn things that they may have no idea what they are but repeat it
or do it because they think that is they was it is supposed to be
It is essential that “children
have direct personal experience being in and witnessing caring and affectionate
relationships with family and friends. Ideally, they are nurtured by supportive
and trusted adults, who are able and willing to answer questions and clear up
confusion about issues such as the physical differences between males and
females and the basics of making babies” (Levin & Kilbourne, 2009, p. 5).
It is vital to educate children and show them how a relationship should be and to
answer any questions truthfully.
Brandie
References
Hi Brandie
ReplyDeleteGreat post,“It is important to acknowledge that there are variations in how children are affected by today’s sexualized childhood-based on their gender and their racial, cultural, and socioeconomic group as well as their individual disposition” (Levin & Kilbourne, 2009, p. 7). Media industries are making sure to send messages that lead children to pay too much importance to physical beauty and sex appeal. Children are learning that their success in life will depend on how beautiful and thin girls are, and how handsome and robust men are. Therefore, early childhood educators need to develop the skills to help children build resilience for them to grow up sexually healthy.
Brandie, you are right some children might not understand what they see or hear at that time but they do pick up things very fast, and well. We need to continue to teach children how to make the right choices as an professional and a parent. We have to state whats right from wrong more often than we do now to help children to develop a more positive and appropriate behavior to others and themselves. Do you agree this article was an eye opener for you?
ReplyDeleteHello Brandie,
ReplyDeleteGreat post you are so right about children doing what they see and we as parents and professional need to teach our children how to make the right choices. Teach them more appropriate behavior and stop think that this is cute their are way a child can learn dancing and sing that is more appropriate. Also I think that the parents need to be taught how to teach there children more positive and appropriate behavior. Most children don't understand what they see or hear that is why it is very important that we work together to help our children go in the right direction.
Brandie,
ReplyDeleteYour explanation on sexualization is informative. I think it is positive and holds truth to what is going on in society for young children, who should be making the most of their early lives. I wish that I could restart everything and be a child again! The youth has no clue about what they are exposing themselves to via commercials, music, and images, but they believe the situation is wholly normal. They ought to focus more on individualism, but negativity and peer pressure have taken control of them. Their eyes should open to all the positivity that exists around them, even if that positivity is hard to find. In my time, children had no choice but to stay in their places. Alas, however, children today see all the behaviors and adversities adults possess and go through, and apparently, our current generation of parents no longer feels an incentive to delineate a proper etiquette for their children.