Some moments ago, an article from the Daily Mail caught my attention where it made a mention about a British supermodel’s ‘legacy’ which not only resurfaced recently but also incurred the wrath of critics and concerned people alike. In case you have no idea when did the whole Kate Moss ‘legacy’ happen, try reading this MSN article which dated back to 2009 (I am sorry it is like two years ago but this deserves a mention).
The slogan “Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels.” printed on a kid’s shirt may sound cute and hilarious to a few people but as a blogger, I don’t find it all that cute, funny and appealing. Therefore, allow me to ask this question: what kind of message are we sending to people when eating disorders and negative body image is becoming prevalent in this day and age? Call me a wet blanket but I believe any slogan on a child’s clothing can send a good or bad message about himself or herself (including his or her self-esteem).
If you think the controversial skinny slogans will be the first and last thing to be mentioned in the news and at the same time, fuelling the wrath of concerned people, how about try these slogans such as “Mummy likes it on top” or “I’m bringing sexy back” on a baby’s shirt which was mentioned in a 2009 Tasmania’s The Mercury article? Or that slogan, “So many boys, so little time”, which are emblazoned on shirts targeted to girls as mentioned by The Daily Mail a few days ago? Cute and funny slogans? I DON’T think so! You may disagree all you like but I have to say the use of sexualised and skinny slogans are nothing but irresponsible marketing when children’s clothes are involved.
I don’t want to ramble on but what says you about the issue of using skinny slogans on children’s shirts? Do you believe it is offensive and irresponsible marketing? What do you think? Opinions are welcomed.
I think children have a hard enough time these days without skinny slogans printed on their clothing. Children should be able to enjoy their childhood. Today, they are treated as if they are adults at age 3. I agree with you totally. Thanks for coming by my place. Have a good week.
You have a point, Southern Lady. It is just so sad that some grown ups are dumb to make their kids grow up too fast. I wish childhood did not have to die because such irresponsible adults in this day and age.
I just think it is sad that so many of us feel the need to define ourselves by body size. There are 7 billion of us on this planet, and I don’t think we are all meant to look the same!
You said it well, Charles. In a way it is also like telling a kid to conform to a body size at the expense of his or her health and wellbeing.
These are disgusting slogans for ANYONE to wear around on their body, let alone children! It not only promotes the anorexic lifestyle and “ideal” it sexualizes children (Mommy likes it on top). I’m all for capitalism and making money, but doing it in this way (by promoting these slogans on clothing) is despicable and immoral.
Good one, Samantha
Basically, this kind of marketing amounts to child porn. Retailers push and push the envelope to gain market share in a brutally competitive environment. Even if they are forced to withdraw a specific shirt, the millions of dollars in free publicity from all the talk show rants and all the tweets is priceless. These retailers do not care if the slogans are inappropriate or appropriate; they just want to move merchandise. Younger mothers are either (a) too cowed by their kids to refuse to buy the stuff, (b) too self-absorbed to know what they’re buying, or (c) inclined to think the slogans ARE cute.
You said it well, Richard, it definitely does amount to child porn. Retailers who do it really don’t care about sensibility all that much and it is such a shame.
There is a constant pressure to be stick thin…. It is just appalling that children are not spared…. :’(
You are right, Al.
Definitely nothing cute about that!
Well said, Rufus.
Thanks for “liking” my Relationship-Killing Friends post. I appreciate it!
I think putting a slogan like that on anyone’s clothes, but especially a child’s, is DISGUSTING. How dare they be so blatant with their oppressive messages. At least try to hide it!
You are welcome and yes, such slogans on a kid’s clothing is downright disgusting.
Just a general comment after reviewing your site: I like your views and the fact that you appear to have decent morals. I’ve enjoyed reading your articles and am glad you found me so that I could find you!
Thanks for the comment, hormonefield.
“Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels.”
…wow. The first thing that came to mind when I read that was anorexia. It’s like a slogan for someone who’s starving themselves due to a bad body image… It would be kind of sick on something marketed to adult women, but on a child’s product it’s… well… whatever is beyond sick. Wait- the sexualization of children’s clothing is what’s beyond sick. These are some very real problems you’re pointing out.
Thank you, kpanino.
You really have to wonder about parents who would buy these t-shirts for their kids or even allow their kids to buy them for themselves. UGH. Not right.
Well said, Paikea
It does seem very irresponsible but that’s what parents are for. Parents need to stop supporting this type of marketing.
You summed it well, Faith
I think kids are already bombarded with sexuality enough as it is… the last thing we need is clothing encouraging it. And of course aside from that there’s a huge body image problem — but it all goes back to the idea of being sexy, doesn’t it.
Ugh, it’s just so sick. Let kids be kids!
Thank you, Sophie. Yes, kids definitely should be allowed to be kids.