Leading retailers furious at 'pedophile' tag

News.com.au ^ | October 10, 2006 01:00am | Caroline Overington

[klossg]

MAJOR retailers and publishers have reacted furiously to a new report that claims they are engaged in "corporate pedophilia" by using suggestive photographs of children in their advertising.

The report, by the Australia Institute's Emma Rush, argues that department stores Myer and David Jones are contributing to the "sexualisation of Australia's children" by stocking items such as bra tops for pre-pubescent girls, lip gloss for toddlers and skimpy underwear designed to be worn by children.

"It's part of a plan to sexualise Australian children, especially girls," said Dr Rush. "For the sake of corporate profits, children are being posed like adults, photographed with come-hither expressions, and encouraged to see themselves as sexual when they are not."

Dr Rush's report, Corporate Paedophilia, released yesterday, concludes that sexualised images of children encourage pedophiles to see children as sexually available and encourage young girls to focus on their bodies.

But merchants and publishers were indignant, saying many of the images of girls included in the report were benign.

David Jones was aghast at being singled out for criticism, saying it had strict guidelines to prevent the sexualisation of children in its advertising. "We strongly reject the unfounded assertions ...

[klossg]

So true. So timely. Children should be allowed to be children. Childhood is such a great time in life!

[klossg]

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[timsbella]

Completely agree. I went to a local retailer to buy undershirts for my nine year old daughter and found padded bras & underwire. For little kids. This is worse than the thong thing from last year.

[trisham]

MAJOR retailers and publishers have reacted furiously to a new report that claims they are engaged in "corporate pedophilia" by using suggestive photographs of children in their advertising.

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Good. It's about time. Now if only something were done about it here.

[pandoraou812]

It is disgusting. I went to a store to buy my then 6 yr old daughter some t shirts for summer. One of the slogans I saw was Cherry Farm on the front of a pink shirt. Others said Hot Future Mamma etc . On little girls shirts this is disgusting. I refuse to buy such shirts. I try to make sure my child has a long happy safe childhood. We are in no hurry to grow up, that comes soon enough.

[ichabod1]

SHirley Temple

[HarleyD]

Absolutely. I don't wish to be a purd but Abercomby and Finch have all these gigantic photos of kids who can't be more than 13-15 in suggestive and provocative positions. I do not go into the store but you can't help noticing it as you walk past. It's really disgusting in my mind.

BTW-I remember hearing a five year old girl crying to her mother that she was tired. Her mother turn to her and told her to "Grow up." How sad.

[klossg]

"but Abercomby and Finch have all these gigantic photos of kids who can't be more than 13-15 in suggestive and provocative positions. I do not go into the store but you can't help noticing it as you walk past. It's really disgusting in my mind."

Man did you hit the nail on the head. I cannot stand their ads. Abercrombie stuff is spooky. It is almost hard to be in the same room with one of their ads. I've caught myself turning around their ads on magazines and bags. Man I want my kids to buy clothes, not a whole way of life.

Fuddy duddy? Maybe but A&F is out there! And going young with shark teeth. All just for the money?