Mrs M
yoda76HAS THE WORLD GONE MAD?
October 8th 2007 05:33
I wake up today to hear that six year old girls are pole dancing for fitness.
Yesterday I read that parents are buying their Year 12 daughters expensive spa treatments to keep the stress of exams at bay.
A few weeks ago a 12 year old became the face of Gold Coast Fashion Week and both she and her mother couldn’t understand what all the fuss was about.
Let’s look at the first news item. Six year olds pole dancing. I’m sure that I don’t have to build an argument here about how bizarre and just plain wrong that is for everyone to just plainly see how bizarre and wrong this is. The parents of the children who pole dance defend it and so does the owner of the pole dancing studio. How surprising.
The argument is that the girls aren’t taught to be sexual; this is just another form of exercise and that pole dancing is in fact based on gymnastics and circus tricks. Tricks alright.
So why not do gymnastics, or little athletics, or swimming, or even better, get down to the park with your kids and have a game of cricket or footy or volleyball or whatever. Even if it is dancing that you want your daughter to do, how many different dance classes are there? C’mon. Is belly dancing as bad as pole dancing?
Next item. Year 12 girls getting luxurious spa treatments to combat stress. These girls are going to expensive day spas. It strikes me as being a little indulgent. Am I being a prude? I’ve sat the Year 12 exams; I know how stressful they are. But I’m thinking that students need to have coping skills during this testing time. When the stress gets too much, go for a jog, have an apple, sing your favourite song at the top of your lungs. Can’t exactly run down to the local day spa for a massage and a pedicure when stress strikes.
Maybe I’m being harsh. It is a wonderful gift.
Okay now for my favourite of all of these. Maddison Gabriel, the 12 year old, sorry now 13 year old girl, who caused all that hullabaloo after being chosen as the face of Gold Coast Fashion Week.
John Howard and Kevin Rudd weighed in on the argument. They didn’t think it was a good idea.
Maddison’s mother, Michelle, argues that “she has a daughter who has got a good head on her shoulders”.
Amanda Keller pointed out on her breakfast radio show, this isn’t just about Maddison anymore. This is sending a message out to other girls.
Sexualisation of young girls is a much discussed topic. Many parents have voiced their opinions and concerns about it. But what do you think?
After all children can be and are models; are they being exploited?
The modeling agency that signed Maddison says that she will not be parading in any lingerie or swimwear. But even so, it has struck a chord with parents everywhere.
Countries in Europe have put a ban on models younger than 16 parading in fashion shows. But Australia has no such legislation.
It does beg the question, what’s the hurry? At 13 Maddison is beautiful; imagine what she’ll be like at 16. I doubt she’ll lose her looks overnight. Surely she’ll still be able to succeed with her modeling career.
However, Maddison doesn’t look like your average 13 year old; should she be treated differently? She looks older, but that doesn’t mean she has the nous of an adult. She may dress in adult clothes but ‘clothes don’t maketh the man… or woman….or 13 year old girl’.
Maddison’s mother claims that as a society “we’re trying to get our teenage daughters to act older”. I’d like her to define older. Should Maddison be more mature or more sexy? More sophisticated or more vain? More ambitious or more experienced?
Because as a 13 year old myself, the only thing I was doing to be “older” was shaving my legs. And that seemed like a big deal.
I do remember as a younger teenager I couldn’t wait to grow up; to be able to wear make up, high heels, a mini skirt. My mother, however, simply wouldn’t allow it until I was older. I didn’t wear mascara until I was 16.
There were no beauty salon visits for any of us. Maddison spent her 13th birthday at the salon "where the girls had manicures, pedicures, eyebrow waxes, eyelash tints and their make-up done, and indulged in birthday cake."
My first attempt to pluck my eyebrows with my friend was a disaster. But that was our rite of passage.
Maybe 13 year old girls in 2007 are just different. Should we resist this change?
Simply, Maddison just wants to be a model. Her mother wants to help her little girl accomplish her dreams. Maddison’ mother has said "I'm just waiting for someone to say we are bad parents."
Anyone?
Yesterday I read that parents are buying their Year 12 daughters expensive spa treatments to keep the stress of exams at bay.
A few weeks ago a 12 year old became the face of Gold Coast Fashion Week and both she and her mother couldn’t understand what all the fuss was about.
Let’s look at the first news item. Six year olds pole dancing. I’m sure that I don’t have to build an argument here about how bizarre and just plain wrong that is for everyone to just plainly see how bizarre and wrong this is. The parents of the children who pole dance defend it and so does the owner of the pole dancing studio. How surprising.
The argument is that the girls aren’t taught to be sexual; this is just another form of exercise and that pole dancing is in fact based on gymnastics and circus tricks. Tricks alright.
So why not do gymnastics, or little athletics, or swimming, or even better, get down to the park with your kids and have a game of cricket or footy or volleyball or whatever. Even if it is dancing that you want your daughter to do, how many different dance classes are there? C’mon. Is belly dancing as bad as pole dancing?
Next item. Year 12 girls getting luxurious spa treatments to combat stress. These girls are going to expensive day spas. It strikes me as being a little indulgent. Am I being a prude? I’ve sat the Year 12 exams; I know how stressful they are. But I’m thinking that students need to have coping skills during this testing time. When the stress gets too much, go for a jog, have an apple, sing your favourite song at the top of your lungs. Can’t exactly run down to the local day spa for a massage and a pedicure when stress strikes.
Maybe I’m being harsh. It is a wonderful gift.
Okay now for my favourite of all of these. Maddison Gabriel, the 12 year old, sorry now 13 year old girl, who caused all that hullabaloo after being chosen as the face of Gold Coast Fashion Week.
John Howard and Kevin Rudd weighed in on the argument. They didn’t think it was a good idea.
Maddison’s mother, Michelle, argues that “she has a daughter who has got a good head on her shoulders”.
Amanda Keller pointed out on her breakfast radio show, this isn’t just about Maddison anymore. This is sending a message out to other girls.
Sexualisation of young girls is a much discussed topic. Many parents have voiced their opinions and concerns about it. But what do you think?
After all children can be and are models; are they being exploited?
The modeling agency that signed Maddison says that she will not be parading in any lingerie or swimwear. But even so, it has struck a chord with parents everywhere.
Countries in Europe have put a ban on models younger than 16 parading in fashion shows. But Australia has no such legislation.
It does beg the question, what’s the hurry? At 13 Maddison is beautiful; imagine what she’ll be like at 16. I doubt she’ll lose her looks overnight. Surely she’ll still be able to succeed with her modeling career.
However, Maddison doesn’t look like your average 13 year old; should she be treated differently? She looks older, but that doesn’t mean she has the nous of an adult. She may dress in adult clothes but ‘clothes don’t maketh the man… or woman….or 13 year old girl’.
Maddison’s mother claims that as a society “we’re trying to get our teenage daughters to act older”. I’d like her to define older. Should Maddison be more mature or more sexy? More sophisticated or more vain? More ambitious or more experienced?
Because as a 13 year old myself, the only thing I was doing to be “older” was shaving my legs. And that seemed like a big deal.
I do remember as a younger teenager I couldn’t wait to grow up; to be able to wear make up, high heels, a mini skirt. My mother, however, simply wouldn’t allow it until I was older. I didn’t wear mascara until I was 16.
There were no beauty salon visits for any of us. Maddison spent her 13th birthday at the salon "where the girls had manicures, pedicures, eyebrow waxes, eyelash tints and their make-up done, and indulged in birthday cake."
My first attempt to pluck my eyebrows with my friend was a disaster. But that was our rite of passage.
Maybe 13 year old girls in 2007 are just different. Should we resist this change?
Simply, Maddison just wants to be a model. Her mother wants to help her little girl accomplish her dreams. Maddison’ mother has said "I'm just waiting for someone to say we are bad parents."
Anyone?
| 192 |
| Vote |
Add To: 
Subscribe to this blog
Comment by Lara M
Love Speaks
Food Slate
I wonder if parents are sometimes (if not most times) trying to live through their kids - not saying all...but just the random many parents that do. ...Or is it a case of keeping one-up from the Jones' kids?!
> The spa-day is a nice gift, but surely there are more pragmatic and down-to-earth ways to rest and relax.
> Pole-dancing? Why not send them to circus school instead?
> ...yep, I think waiting another 3-4 years is not gonna *age* Madison too much...
Just my 2-cents...
Comment by Damo
For the Sake of Argument
My Apologetics
I think that for a 13 year old it is tantamount to child sexploitation.
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
No 13 year old has such a 'good head on their shoulders' that they should be allowed to use their own judgement in the manner of an adult.
Year 12 girls de-stressing in spas - I think this is a teeny bit ridiculous. If they are indulged so much for something like their exams, how on earth are they going to cope when they are hit with something really stressful?
Six year olds pole dancing - so very wrong. There is not a single excuse anyone should be able to give to justify this. This practice is all about objectifying and sexualising women. It is thoroughly immersed in phallusexual connotations and denotes a trade market of sexual stimulation, at the very least. Children undertaking this for 'exercise' sends a very perverse message, and I wonder what could happen if they shared their hobby with the wrong person. Any parent who advocates this is highly irresponsible.
So no, I don't think you're being too harsh, Mrs M!
Michaelie
Comment by yoda76
The Tube Blog
I look at my six year old daughter, and that sweet and innocent image of a little girl is about as far from pole-dancing as you can get. Maybe further.
What the hell!?!
I'm 30 and am adamant that I don't want to grow up, meanwhile the world isn't letting children be children.
Messed up.
If Maddison's mum wants to help her model, I say fine. Not a great idea and a recipe for distaster, but hey...
HSC students getting treated to a day spa - why not if Mum and Dad are wealthy enough and silly enough to indulge them.
But teaching a six-year-old around a poledance is playing with fire. It's corrupting, and asking for trouble. As has been said, there is simply NO reasonable justification for this.
Simply none.
Comment by Mrs M
Mum's Word
All parents are proud of their kids and I love watching my daughter perform with her class at the school assembly but throwing her into the limelight like that would make me uncomfortable.
Hi Damo,
Exactly.
Hi Michaelie,
Even if I was a gazillionaire I think I would still make them clean their own room and not hire a cleaner because I doubt that my kids would be or should be spending money on a cleaner when they start out in life. And I doubt they'll be making that much money to begin with.
I couldn't bare it if they whinged about how hard they have because they have to wash a dish.
If my mother and father had 'supported' me in everything I wanted to do I would now be an absolute mess.
And yeah, the whole pole dancing thing still boggles my mind.
Hi yoda,
Better have a massage, you don't want to be stressed otherwise you won't do well. I am speculating here but that's the impression it give me.
Year 12 exams are important but certainly not the only way to a career or uni. You know that.
Maybe buy a gift voucher for after the exams, I don't know.
Thanks everyone for the visit and the comments.
Love & stuff
Mrs M
Comment by Always Eighteen
Always Eighteen: Japan Edition
Yes, the world is going mad. Great post.
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
I have an example - I remember as a child falling over and cutting my knee on two separate occasions. Once was at home, where Dad made the relevant noises of sympathy then whacked on a bandaid, gave me a kiss and declared that 'I would live'. I was running around again in no time.
The second time was at school, where the teacher made a huge fuss over it, getting out bandages, telling me to lie down, asking if I felt faint... of course I was then convinced I was dying, was super aware of every twinge and acted like an invalid all day over nothing.
I think there is a balance to be found. Callousness is obviously not the answer but neither is overindulgence. I think children are very perceptive of their parents' attitudes and respond to them subconsciously. I don't know anyone who can say their parents' approach or underlying feelings haven't influenced them, even if they don't necessarily agree with them.
Michaelie
Comment by Jim Stillman
Political Certainty
The bottom line is that some parents, because of a lack of values or a sense of insecurity, are rotten
Comment by Lilla
From The Home Front
Enviro Warrior
Dream Herald
Esoteric Bookshop
It’s not new is it? Young girls have been forced to be playthings for old men, since the dawn of time …(now you've got me thinking again ....tick tock *chuckle* not good...
Of course I blame consumerism *laughs* as always... but if you think back to the industrial revolution, when the age expectancy was pretty low, moral decency went out the window in the face of mass production vs poverty.
The war kept people busy enough not to worry about having child entertainment or too much consumerism. In a way, I guess dictators give people something worthwhile to do, huh …a common goal to defend?
Then came the nuclear family and the beginning of the fall of the church ...morality scattered within the bling of affluence we share today, whilst standing in the shadow of the brilliant technological, flashing neon twin-arch signs, we once again live with the psychological paradigm of no real threat, but the advent of imminent extinction in "very uncertain times."
With the advent of global warming, I guess people just feel that our life expectancy is probably soon to be, shorter than ever, despite every ‘advance’ we feel we have made. Population figures are simple enough to read - a matter of supply and demand – resources dry up ... I think these thoughts affect people's equilibrium and allow the immorality and decadence to sneak in...why, because it doesn’t matter anyway ..life is (again) short, with no stability… allowing for diminished responsibility?
/seriously/ I think that 80,000 additives, GM foods and pollution are also taking their toll on the human race too, and madness is sure to ensue as our brains spongify and global conditions deteriorate - particularly if they change slowly, as is being predicted. Personally, I prefer to be snap frozen.
Mind you I still don’t know what all this has to do with allowing my daughter to pole dance or not? Have to agree with y'all ... people have gone crazy .. especially on the
New BabylonGold Coast – now Australia’s fifth largest city with the infrastructure of a country town… I guess a little pole dancing takes peoples minds off things? Prestigious you say... *cough*Of course there is the possibility that the mothers of these pole-dancing tots, are all frustrated porno queens who never had the courage to pursue their passion themselves?
Another great question Mrs M.
Lilla …
Comment by Wynona Lavota
Generation Y Life
Next up the spa treatment. I'm jealous- I wish I had that when I was sitting my HSC
And finally, why is a 13 year old modelling women's clothing? Don't target have a children's range?
Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
Madness I tell you!!! Why can't little girls be little girls? Why can't teens deal with exams? So ridiculous! Wonderful post.
Mis
Comment by Tyronne
Music Times
Sydney Fun
Vintage Culture
Melbourne DiaryStar
Comment by Nina
I think there is far too much focus on kids to grow up, particularly little girls. Put away the pole, the make-up, and the 'Little Tramp' t-shirt, and just let them be children!
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Pop Rock Factory
The delinearation between adults and children was so well pronounced even 30 years ago - that there were lines drawn in the sand that were never to be crossed.
Adults were adults, children were children and that vague middle-earth while tumulteous was an earned rite of passage.
Pole dancing six-year-olds, tarted up 12 year olds - yeah right - and these kids weren't influenced by their parents in any way!
Great Post.
MNG
Comment by MelissaA
Fun Facts
Maybe we should all get the octagenarians out there pole dancing - then maybe that at least won't be so popular any more!
Makes you mad doesn't it!
Comment by Mrs M
Mum's Word
9 year olds and suicide is just plain wrong and very very sad.
Hi Michaelie,
Perfect example of you grazing your knee. And yes balance is the key, which at times is difficult to find but to be completely blind is something else.
And what you said about 12 year olds not being able to make adult decision is spot on. I too find it peculiar that a parent would think that their kid could.
Hi Jim,
It's interesting you mention parents with insecurities. It got me thinking. Well we all have insecurities and flaws but I'm not going to subject my kids to them. Well I try anyway.
Why can't parents just be honest with themselves instead of trying to justify pole dancing and 12 year old models. I suppose it is all in how you look at yourself. I know I am filled with self doubt but I also know I need to just get over it and raise my family.
Anyway, you've got me thinking about a whole bunch of other stuff.
Hi Lilla,
Now there's an answer.
I find it truly amazing that we are heading in two different directions but claim to be doing it for the same ideal.
No parent is going to admit to sexualising or exploiting their daughter. They want their daughters to be strong, independent, free from the constraints of a patriarchal society; but one set of parents will let their daughter pole dance while another will try and reverse some of the trends and go back to the good ol' days.
I like your theory about our lifespan. We are living longer but we're trying to fit in more and all at the same time.
Consumerism does have a lot to answer for.
Hi Wynona,
A spa treatment is very nice, don't get me wrong. Maybe my problem is more of entitlement. I would hate to think that my daughter is entitled to an expensive spa treatment because she is sitting Year 12 exams. Again, this is my cynical mind at work, but the article implies that this is becoming somewhat of the norm.
As for the model, she's too tall for the children's range which is why she wears adult clothes. But apparently all her friends wear adult clothes and they don't see anything wrong with that. Ugh!
Hi Mis,
It's all one big cop out. Dealing with stress is a life skill that needs to be taught. That's the point of putting kids in stressful situations. So they can find and learn some coping mechanisms. That's what my teachers used to tell me.
Little girls need to hang off swings, play gyms and trees.
And as for 12 year old models...the more I think about it the more the mother's attitude bugs me.
The whole world need to slow down. My head hurts.
Hi Tyronne,
Ooooo, you've had a minor celebrity on your blog.
This whole thing blew up probably about a month ago now, but for a few days it was everywhere. If you google her name you'll see all the articles.
Tolerate mass media....take an antacid first to settle your stomach.
Hi Nina,
When I finished Year 12 I treated myself to a facial and body scrub - however, it was at local shopping centre beauty salon, and I paid for it myself.
Like I said to Wynona, it's a sense of entitlement that bothers me.
The "Little Tramp" t-shirts bug me too. Seriously, when I see teenagers wearing those kinds of t-shirts and takes all my strength to not walk up to them and say something. I mean really, can't they read?
Hi MNG,
I think people underestimate what you learn when you go through a rite of passage. And they just take it away.
Excellent point.
Hi Melissa,
And I think we can leave the octogenarians where they are
Thanks everyone. These comments were great.
Love & stuff
Mrs M
Comment by AmyHuang
Project Job Search
Travel Debate
Travel String
Love Adventures
I also feel strongly about these young children thinking they can be adults. I mean, we all have something against child labour and porn. But we are ok with children modelling the latest swim wear fashion? I mean, isn't that just the same thing? Children should be children. They should be able to play and have lots of fun before they turn into us adults and have responsibilities of their own. It's sad to see that they are now being taught it's actually good and 'glamourous' for them to be doing certain things, like having spa treatments and modelling.
When my little niece said that she needs to go on a diet because she needs to keep 'shape', I flipped. She is 11 years old, she is not even fully developed yet!!! Whoever taught her that idea should be shot.
Amy
Comment by Mrs M
Mum's Word
I mean, we all have something against child labour and porn. But we are ok with children modelling the latest swim wear fashion? I mean, isn't that just the same thing?
No 11 year old should be that self conscious.
I've been thinking about this the last couple of days and I think it also has to do with delayed gratification. Instant gratification doesn't teach you anything.
Maddison wants to be a model, wait a few years - grow up a little.
Year 12 students want expensive day spa treatments - earn some cash and pay for it.
As for six year old pole dancers....well.....I think we all agree on this one.
Thanks for the visit Amy. Really appreciate it.
Love & stuff
Mrs M
Comment by Anonymous
i saw the thing about the kids pole danceing, exercise my ass that is just makeing gurls fit so they can later become pro pole dancersthat's wrong to even have kids around pole's at that age.
as for the model u can't say that'll she'll be modeling swimwear as someone else said cause they said she wasn't going to
and the whole spa thing sure it'd be relaxing if she hadn't made a huge deal over it being cause of the stress of exams, it should be a reward thing not because the stress of up-comeing exams, but because they just did them and did well reward for doing well and a good start in life if they got a scholarship
i think all this underage things is a big downer sometimes but i know it's there for a good reason, and it's to stop minors and irresponsible teens from screwing up their lives too soon
if their still screwed upp when their adults it's thier fault
pam
Comment by Mrs M
Mum's Word
Thanks for the comment.
You're right. There are things that teens shouldn't do until their adults but like you said it is for their own good. I remember hating not being able to do things and cursing my parents for being so strict - but there were reasons.
The 13 year old model concerns me....or more to the point the mother concerns me. Let's fact it, she's not going to do Target catalogues she's up there with the big girls and even though she may not be modelling swimwear or lingerie, it's no secret that the modelling world can be a toxic environment. The mother's actions baffle me more than a 13year old wanting to be a model.
Thanks for the visit and the comment.
Love & stuff
Mrs M
Comment by Kleonaptra
Kalikapsychosis
Knew I could count on you!
This children pole dancing is utterly ludicrous - Yes! Be HARSH about it!
I spoke to an 18 yr old about this - she thinks she is oh so old and experienced and doesnt realize what a huge gap the 7 years between us is. Ive worked dozens of jobs, lived in another country, can work in any industry and have a ton of tertiary certificates. Shes on her first job, first certificate.
She thinks all this is a ok. No drama with any of it. I was slightly disgusted. I return to my original judgement of the human race - if this is the great new world the younger generation are building, I want no part of it.
Comment by Mrs M
Mum's Word
I remember my mum said to me to not get married before I was 25 because how you see life at 18 is different to how you see it at 21 and it's different again at 25.
7 years is a huge difference.
Love & stuff
Mrs M
Comment by Kleonaptra
Kalikapsychosis
I was just a little freaked, thats why I mentioned her, I expected her to be on my side, I didnt realize that she would be all for it - even giving me the "Its just gymnastics on a pole" routine. I tried to impress upon her the society problem, that wether the kids thought it was sexed up or not is NOT the issue - dozens of dirty old men will!
But the kids think they get it. They think they understand the whole sex bit and they want to be like mum, or older sister, or the girls on OC who are having sex at 14.
And thats whats burned me up.
Comment by Mrs M
Mum's Word
It is alarming and what's more alarming is that only way they're going to learn is to go out there and live and get stung...hopefully they come out okay on the other end.
Love & stuff
Mrs M