Summary Of The Sexualization Of Girls Is Harmful

When it comes to the topic of sexualization, most of us will readily agree that it is apart of todays culture. Where this agreement usually ends, however, in on the question of is it a good or bad thing. Whereas some are convinced that it is good, others maintain that it is bad. The author of “The Sexualization of Girls is Harmful” is right about all the ways girls can be harmed with being sexualized but what the author does not consider is that in recent studies sexualization can be harmful to both males and females. In the article “The Sexualization of Girls is Harmful” they emphasize the fact that,
Sexualization is not to be confused with healthy sexuality, which is important for mental health. Sexualization occurs when: value comes only …show more content…
For example, the article states, “In child beauty pageants, girls as young as five wear fake teeth, makeup, and hair extensions, and are encourage to flirt with the audience by batting their false—eyelash—laden eyes.” (AboutKidsHealth, 2010, p.1) I agree with the authors but what they do not acknowledge is the fact that little boys are expected to be fit, lean, respectable, and sporty. Boys may not be held to as high of a standard as girls are but they still are certainly objectified. As boys get older they are expected to have the perfect six pack, perfectly tan skin, and a deep voice. Some guys are just not born with those genetics and this can cause these men to feel depressed, less worthy, and they could simply feel that they do not fit in with society. This proves that girls are not the only ones being affected by …show more content…
The authors states, “Cultural messages about sexuality impinge on children too young to cope with them and influence identity formation during early adolescence, contributing to a loss in self-esteem during this critical period of identity development. The consequences of this self-objectification are far-reaching, disrupting cognitive and physical functioning.” (AboutKidsHealth, 2010, p.3) The authors point is by putting so much stress on children’s sexuality it is having negative effects on these children. People may not have realized that doing this could have adverse effects than what they originally wanted. The reality of it is children are like sponges and absorb much more than we ever thought they could. It is common since now in this day and age that boys and girls are worried about how they look and how people view them rather than focusing on their academics and being