Everyso often, I will post an entry with an interesting link or reference that will promote self-education. The topic of sexualization of girls is of particular interest to me as it pertains to my extensive experience in the area of eating disorders. There is a wealth of research indicating that girls with eating disorders are excessively preoccupied with their presentation, self-control and level of social acceptance. It is tragic, but true, that society has subtlely embedded in the minds of young girls that they should begin an early age to think about, not only their attractiveness, but worse, their sexual desireability. It is appalling what has been normalized by our culture. Who would have thought that the “Barbie Doll” would be outdone by the “Bratz Doll” figure: a doll and character whose body is severely emaciated in appearance, accentuated by an oversized head and overemphasized lips and eyes? We have, in my opinion, a responsibility to our girls on an individual, familial and societal level to be activists lest we perpetuate a cultural myth that girls are no longer sexually “off limits” or unable to integrate explicit material. I invite your thoughts and opinions via our website mailbox. I encourage you to visit the following link: http://www.apa.org/pi/wpo/sexualizationrep.pdf
Seth Grobman, Psy.D.
Licensed Psychologist
Director Weston PsychCare, P.A.
