Many children’s characters are becoming more “sexified.” Their images are being redone to appeal to the larger masses. However, why is it necessary for a children’s toy to be sexy? The older versions are perfect role models for children. These new images of the same characters, now all grown up, do not give a good image for children. Dora no longer has a tom-boy haircut, with shorts and a t-shirt. Those have been replaced by long, flowing locks and a mini-skirt. The same goes for Strawberry Shortcake. Both girls have a more petite figure now.
These images lead impressionable young children to think that this is the way girls are supposed to dress. They think that they need to be sexy. The media leads to many girls thinking they need to act and dress a certain way to be considered attractive. This is not good for their self esteem. Many teenagers are unhappy with the way they look, mostly due to the image that the media presents. This can often lead to many problems, such as, eating disorders. Now that image is being directed towards even younger children, which is very unhealthy.
Gamble, T. K., & Gamble, M. W (2003). The gender communication connection. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company.
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