Introduction
It is important to note that fashion and the way people dress are a major element of a society’s perception of acceptable norms and beliefs in regards to representing certain groups. The given article provides an in-depth analysis and discussion on the topic of excessive sexualization of clothing and fashion targeted at the younger members of the female population. In accordance with the main message of the author, such a notion is highly harmful and damaging to young girls, who become conditioned and accustomed to these norms from the early stages of development. Therefore, the author is correct to point out the fact that the eroticization of clothing for young women and girls is not beneficial since it betrays core principles of feminism and encourages irresponsible consumerism.
Main body
Sexualization of fashion for young females is harmful since it betrays key notions of feminism. The feminist movement strived to bring equality among genders in order to ensure that women obtained the freedom to become equivalent members of society as males. The author states: “the current hyper-feminine aesthetic, one could argue, is an over-correction of this correction—an almost fanatical reclaiming of pink and frilly” (George par. 18). The cultural tradition of the past put women in an inferior position as only suitable for being a housewife. With novel ideas of feminism, women challenged these traditions by entering the workforce and becoming less dependent on males. However, the emphasis on femininity went over the board to the degree of eroticization, which further promotes patriarchy through appealing to men’s desires. In almost all cases, the sexually dressed women are either consciously or unconsciously attempting to catch the attention of the opposite sex, which seems such an approach as a return to the roots of the patriarchic system, which servitude of women to men.
For marketers and businesses in general, excessive sexualization of young females is a profitable endeavor, which turns them into ideal consumers. The author states: “it has much more to do with grooming them to be promiscuous consumers” (George par. 21). In other words, people overly concerned about their appearance and sexuality are better buyers than responsible individuals, who are comfortable with their own looks. In almost all cases, eroticized clothing is used and sold to mask insecurities created by both the corporate world and social norms. From a corporate perspective, these eroticized clothing trends are profitable due to the creation of more desirable consumers, and from a social standpoint, such fashion is a manifestation of hyper feminine aesthetics. Although historical influences also played a role in creating sexualized clothing patterns, parents of modernity are still pressured by the notions of commonality.
One might argue that the author is not correct since such clothing embraces femininity. Firstly, the sexualization of youngsters, such as teenagers, is both morally and ethically wrong. Secondly, both femininity and masculinity should not be manifested in looks but rather in the contents of personality and wisdom. Focus on appearance only breeds insecurity, which is easy to use for one’s advantage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the eroticization of young women and women, in general, is harmful because it goes against the ideals of feminism and turns the group into mindless consumers. Parents should be concerned about their daughters and how society targets them to make them insecure, which makes them more susceptible to marketing tricks and patriarchy. The article is highly persuasive because it is a solid reminder of the fact that parents should be aware of these influences and make efforts to combat them through education.
Work Cited
George, Lianne. “Why Are We Dressing Our Daughters Like This?” Maclean’s. Web.