September 4, 2006 12:21 PM
Moms for Modesty
Our family just doesn't do malls. So the last time I was in one - a few months ago when Maddy participated in a singing competition - I was shocked by the "progress" made in the seven or eight years since I last set foot inside. Truly our children live like fish in polluted water, swimming in the sexploitative seas of Victoria's Secret and Abercrombie&Fitch displays. The message: sex is what it's - what you're - all about. So buy more products to compete.
Horrifying to see young families with baby strollers and toddlers passing by larger-than-life pictures of bodies without clothes trying to sell clothes. Not only are parents jaded, but little children are too. We're all just supposed to think this is as normal as apple pie.
Really, though, when you read of mothers buying thongs for their middle school daughters, plunking down $16. for something that probably cost 25 cents to manufacture, you've gotta wonder what's wrong. Gotta wonder when you see parents at the middle school orientation with a 13 year old girl showing Academy Award night cleavage. So the school dress codes can't be enforced until the first day of school - what kind of mental illness causes mom and dad to derive some sort of pride in their daughter looking available and provocative. Parents, wake up and smell the coffee!! It's your duty to protect your daughter from sexual predators - and one of the ways you do that is by not sending out the wrong message.
But really, I guess there are two Americas now - the people who care about traditional modesty and morality and those who don't. I happen to be the kind who cares.
So I'm happy someone has taken on the task of uniting those of us who have kids - and some of us have LOTS of kids - and would like to see less exploitation of them, less sexual objectification, less dangerous imagery and manipulation. Thanks to Everyday Mommy, we have an opportunity to let our voices be heard.
Moms for Modesty Mission Statement
As a Mom for Modesty I believe in common-sense modesty for girls and young women.
I believe in refraining from sexualizing our girls and young women.
I believe that it is unwise and unfair to taunt boys and young men by permitting my daughter(s) to dress in an immodest manner.
I believe that true beauty comes from within and I strive to teach my daughter(s) this truth.
I will loyally shop at retailers that provide girls' and young women’s clothing that is modest, affordable and stylish.
I've signed on and taken the pledge. You can too. Go to Everyday Mommy's site to join. If you don't have a blog, pass it on to your mailing list. There is power in the blogging community. Companies are beginning to know how much influence we wield, which is why I sometimes receive merchandise from companies seeking my endorsement. At MommyLife I only pass along what I use and know is good for moms, children, and families - and I always tell you if I was provided with the merchandise. If I don't say so, then I bought it myself.
So bloggers, spread the word. And I'm counting on Everyday Mommy to somehow reach these companies. It really can be done.
And I want to thank my four daughters for their modesty and respect for others. I've never had clothing wars with them. The few times they've appeared in clothes that weren't okay, they've responded with understanding to their brothers and dad and me when we've said - "That's just not okay."
Thank you Samantha, Jasmine, Sophia, and Maddy!
And thanks for staying out of the malls.
Posted in Culture, Mothering, Teens and Tweens | Permalink
Comments
Barbara:
How can I thank you for picking up this baton? I know your readers will add a great deal to this effort, and I thank you.
Warmly,
Jules
The Everyday Mommy
Posted by: Everyday Mommy | September 4, 2006 1:15 PM
Barbara, I had a hunch you'd be eager to jump on this bandwagon with us! ;)
Posted by: Shannon @ Rocks in my Dryer | September 4, 2006 3:01 PM
Yea! Thank you for weighing in! I'm with you and Everyday Mommy!
~Leslie
Posted by: Leslie | September 4, 2006 4:12 PM
Thank you for the sweet post. Now, if only I would have had that 2 months ago :-) Yep... we went down that exact path. I thought with God I could drink! Well, thankfully it only took a week, and I realized that most Godly women prob didn't have wine hiding in paper bags in their closets. I am so grateful to be sober, and that I did not give up on god.
Happy holiday weekend,
Christie
Posted by: Christie | September 4, 2006 6:50 PM
Thank you! This is exactly the reason why I taught myself how to sew six years ago.
Posted by: Spring | September 5, 2006 10:35 AM
I so agree with much of what was written...but I have to admit to buying my bras at V.S. This is one of the few stores that sell a comfortable type of bra. I don't go in there for the sexy stuff, and I'm in and out rather quickly.
Posted by: Linda | September 5, 2006 11:22 AM
I don't do malls because I hate crowds. I think I'd be stunned at what's on display in store windows! And thongs for middle schoolers--yuck. I think the original purpose of them is to prevent panty lines. Hello? Why is a 12-year-old wearing pants that tight in the first place? Really, fashion can be snazzy and up-to-date without being skanky. It can be modest without being frumpy. Hey, you designers out there...are you listening to us?
Posted by: mom2fur | September 5, 2006 3:40 PM
I totally agree with you here! I've actually written a little something about it and my own experience on my blog. Check it out if you have a minute!
Posted by: Stacey | September 5, 2006 7:54 PM
so where do we shop? I can't stand the selection out there in maternity clothes. *Sigh* I haven't found anything especially great on the internet though either if I'm searching for modest apparel.
any help?
Posted by: mrs.s. | September 6, 2006 2:06 PM
I agree that the onslaught against our young girls is dangerous and needs to be fought against...
my question is: Why are the stores/media trying to sexualize little girls?
Why?
Is it simply because sex sells? If we knew why, maybe we could combat more effectively.
Posted by: Christa Taylor | November 7, 2007 5:20 PM
