As a kinder teacher, I really liked this article called How to Talk to Little Girls by Lisa Bloom. Little girls today are OBSESSED with looks. I've had to confiscate lip gloss, nail polish, and jewelry! Parents actually let their their five-year-olds wear full on makeup to school. I'm talking lipstick, nail polish, and even eye shadow. They're also sure to mention if they like someone's outfit (including mine!) or if they disapprove.
Teaching girls that their appearance is the first thing you notice tells them that looks are more important than anything. It sets them up for dieting at age 5 and foundation at age 11 and boob jobs at 17 and Botox at 23. As our cultural imperative for girls to be hot 24/7 has become the new normal, American women have become increasingly unhappy. What's missing? A life of meaning, a life of ideas and reading books and being valued for our thoughts and accomplishments.
What's also shocking is how obsessed they are with weight! They even point out each other's fat rolls! And god help you if you're a fat parent, because they compare your weight to their friends' parents weight, as well. I hear it all the time.
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