A Major Retailer Hits a New Low

No, I am not talking about the stock price of retailer Abercrombie and Fitch, I am talking about their latest product, a padded push-up bikini top for girls as young as 8. I don't know about you, but never thought 8 year old girls needed help with lifting, separating, and enlarging their bosoms. Aparently, A and F does, and they have once again demonstrated that their moral compass isn't just defective, it is non-existent. I stopped shopping there a few years ago when they produced catalogues featuring naked teens in soft-porn photographs. Later, they marketed thong underwear for young girls with flirtatous sayings on them. And now they want to push the envelope another step toward sleeze. Thankfully, parents everywhere are in an uproar over this. It is reassuring that there are some people with a moral compass left in this country. I can think of a number of problems with this. First, it tells young girls that there is something wrong with their body. A and F has just given parents a way to reinforce a negative self image. Second, it pushes a sense of being sexually more attractive on girls at an age that is simply too young. Can't we let kids enjoy being kids and not having to worry about having sex appeal? Third, all the studies show that the younger parents allow girls to wear make-up and more provocative clothing, the more sexually active they become and at an earlier age. Fourth, it communicates to girls that what matters most in our culture is how you look, and how certain body parts have to be in order for you to have appeal to others. Just look at the cover of the Sports Illustrated swim suit issue. It makes Hooters look like a Sunday school picnic. So do what I did a few years ago. Don't shop at A and F, cancel your account with them, and if they ask why, let them know. If we all vote with our wallets, hopefully this company will simply go out of business. And our kids will be better for it. Blessings, Dr. Paul