A Decadent Marinade for Children

By: American Decency Staff

One of the major symptoms of a decaying culture that ADA and other organizations have drawn attention to is the sexualization of America's youth. In just the past few months we have noted the marketing schemes of J.C.Penney's with their catalog referring to young teens modeling bikinis as "new recruits." We also commented on Abercrombie and Fitch selling a padded bikini top to eight to 12 year olds. Obviously, TV shows like "Skins" and "Glee," among others, glamorizing sexual activity in teenagers rather than showing  modest and moral alternatives doesn't help either. It's obvious that companies are trying to make being sexy a major concern to young people. The question is are they succeeding? A disturbing pattern among teens proves without a doubt that they are. A semi-recent poll done by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy as well as Cosmogirl.com revealed that 20% of teens between the ages of 13 and 19 have texted or posted nude or semi-nude pictures of themselves. 36% of teen girls and 39% of teen boys say that it is common for nude or semi-nude photos to be shared with people other than the intended recipient, and 25% of teen girls and 33% of teen boys have been shown nude pictures originally intended for someone else. And why do teens feel the need to send these images? Here's the kicker. 66% of teen girls said that they did it to be "fun" or "flirtatious." 34% of the sample also did so to make themselves "feel sexy." Is there any wonder that one third of American teens are passing around naked photos of each other when they grow up in the sexual marinade that is our culture? It's literally nearly impossible to go to a public place or watch TV without seeing advertisements that four decades ago would have been called pornography. Of course, the images don't stay among friends. They get uploaded to the internet, where they are collected by pedophiles and perverts who slowly accustom themselves to the idea that all teenage girls want to be seen naked and are, in his mind, sexual objects. Obviously, pictures like this can then be catalysts for child pornography, pedophilia and rape, not to mention the sexual slave trade. I realize that I am putting a lot of responsibility on marketers and the entertainment industry, and certainly no company is the sole cause for travesties like child pornography or sexual trafficking. But these companies and entertainers are vastly responsible for shaping society. The fashion industry tells youth what they should look like and the entertainment industry tells them how they should act. And here we are. If you're worried that your kid might be "sexting," here are a few links for some more information. http://higgstodd.wordpress.com/2011/02/23/parenting-in-a-sexting-culture/ http://ezinearticles.com/?Sexting—Ten-Tips-to-Prevent-the-Abuse&id=3513315 http://www.cbn.com/family/parenting/thurman-sexting-whats-a-parent-to-do.aspx ========================================================== Your support is important to our ability to make a difference. Donate online at: https://secure4.afo.net/ada/donate.php American Decency Association is a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability. American Decency Association Bill Johnson, President P.O. Box 202 Fremont, MI 49412 ph: 231-924-4050 www.americandecency.org http://www.twitter.com/billwjohnson

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