Tuesday, October 25, 2011

How young is too young?

In an industry where youthful looks are the most valuable of commodities, how young is too young for a model to appear in a provocative campaign?  The pages of fashion magazines are often filled with teenage girls who are barely exiting puberty.  These ingĂ©nues who range in age typically between 13 and 17 years old often are made to look as if in their 20s with makeup layers, sexy clothing and sometimes even depicted as smoking or in sexually provocative poses.  This is not something new.  We have grown accustomed to seeing their baby doll eyes staring back at us from the covers.  However, a few months ago a new precedent was set by a cover model for Vogue.  Take a look at the pictures below. Let me introduce you to Thylane Blondeau.


This gorgeous model with the piercing eyes that seem to entice the photographer to ravage her then and there is a mere 10 year old little girl.  Yes, you read right…TEN years old.  She hasn’t even entered puberty yet, and here she is in very sexy clothing, makeup and posing as a grown woman would in private for her lover.  So I ask you, how young is too young?

The fashion industry continuously bombards all media with images of younger and younger models.  The age wouldn’t be an issue, but it is the combination of children with sexually charged clothing and poses that is disturbing to me.  In a world where children are more and more being exploited and sexually abused, why are we continuing to allow and encourage such behavior from these organizations?  The images of this little girl are the equivalent of a Playboy spread for pedophiles the world over! 

10 year old Morgain Le Fay

I am not saying that if you are a child you should not model, simply that it should be age appropriate work.  I ask that each of us as individual be vigilant in the protection of our youth.  These are innocent children that should be allowed to play and learn at their own pace; not be made into sexual objects before they even are old enough to know the word.


In Second Life, we can represent ourselves in any age avatar we choose and it can be quite liberating.  However, there are those who would use that as a tool to further sexualize the image of a child.  Be vigilant and ensure that the world, whether RL or SL, is safe for children everywhere.  This is a serious issue and should not be ignored.

1 comment:

  1. These are innocent children that should be allowed to play and learn at their own pace <


    While I agree with alot of what you're saying, you should take a closer look at this comment of yours. At your own pace can mean earlier aswell.
    Personally I developed early and found my grades slipping due to wanting to have sex all day, and what do you know when I finally got some, went back to havin top grades.
    It can be pretty frustrating being young and not allowed to express yourself. Not to start an arguement but just a point to remember.
    You don't magically over night on your 18th birthday become ready, I was pretty freaky at 12.. wont go into detail there, tho I can also say I've seen people as old as 23 still not ready and just as innocent as anyone younger.

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