Teen push-up "Bra"...sexualization of youth! Triggers memories of going steady!

Lift & thrust important for women!

(just ask Howard Hughes)





An uproar over the unveiling of a line of sexy revealing swimwear for pre-teens (8 to 10 years old) which boasts a push-up "Bra" - curiously - triggered memories of the boyhood dating game!

In grade 6, going steady - I vividly recall - was a status symbol which singled out the men from the boys.

As luck would have it, I ended up dating Kathy McClaren (who resided in the apartment complex next door), who just happened to be the gal blessed with the biggest - er - chest (a treasure?) in school that I (and others!) recall.

Needless to say, I was the envy of all the hot-blooded straight guys in Victoria Park (Canada).

Because Kathy was a sweet unassuming young lady (and not stuck up because of her obvious up-front assets like the other babes in class) - her reputation for having the most enticing set of "knockers" at the tender age of thirteen - ended up being an albatross around her neck (which was difficult to bear on occasion).

In fact, on one close call, Kathy nearly called off our relationship because a jealous rival (a female) whispered in her ear that I was bragging to all the boys that I was only going "steady" with her because of her - um - hormone-rushing sexual charms.

Fortunately, my faithful sweetheart (uh-huh) was a pretty straightforward level-headed individual, so she gave me the benefit of the doubt and allowed me the opportunity to explain my side of things (instead of just "breaking up" in a huff and strutting off).

But, I confess, that I also had a crush on another classmate - Joanne - who started out as a good friend.

Because she was an "Elizabeth Taylor" look-a-like, though - fashionably aware, prone to apply make-up with class and ease (before most girls knew how to fasten a bra), and modelled professionally at legitimate gigs around town - Joanne was hotly pursued by every stud in the barnyard - er - school yard!

My closeness to Joanne was inclined to cause me to butt heads with a couple of dudes on the football team.

But, one day - out-of-the-blue - Joanne suddenly appeared in class in a simple sun dress, without any make-up (or even a hint of lipstick) - and looked for-all-the-world like a plain Jane.

A million light years from her normally-magnetic sensual persona!

If clothes make the man, then make-up (and a little push & thrust here & there) obviously makes the woman, eh?

"What happened to you," I quizzed her in utter astonishment.

Sadly, she informed me that her Mother put her foot down, and insisted that she refrain from getting all-dolled up for school.

"My parents feel I am growing up too fast."

In the wake of the controversy over the push-up bra for teens - and in light of my own experience (which established in my mind how succinctly the "sexualization" of a child causes undue pressure on their mental health and well-being) I heartily applaud (and support) the "push" for natural growth.

What's wrong with innocence, after all?

In our debauched hedonistic society, it is a quality that is rare, that should be exalted (not exploited or tossed by the wayside).

Amen!

http://www.thetattler.biz




Howard Hughes designed a bra for Jane Russell!



Child Labor...in streets of Los Angeles!

Today, I was taken aback when a young boy about eight years old, approached me on the Red Line to sell me a chocolate bar.

I should preface this event by noting that in recent weeks, a number of enterprising men in their late thirties to early forties, have been jogging through the fast-moving trains with candy bars for sale.

So, I surmise that in view of their conspicuous absence on this occasion, they obviously put their children to "work" on their behalf.

First, it should be noted that there is a $250.00 fine for snacking on food on the Metro line, so it is doubtful that Officials for the public transport system in Los Angeles would approve of these hit-and-run sales techniques.

I expect the true sellers of the goods are dodging Sheriffs who patrol the line.

By employing the aid of the young ones, no doubt they are evading easy detection.

If the children were collecting for a charity, or "working" the commuters on the train on behalf of a school project, I might understand.

In this instant case, this does not appear to be so.

The novel approach to candy-bar sales is all profit, for someone.

What are the origins of those candy bars, I wonder?

Who is the supplier, for instance; and why is it that a sixty-nine cent piece of chocolate is being sold for a buck???

One elderly gentleman next to me sprang for one, then slipped it surreptitiously into his pocket. I was tempted to ask him if he bought the candy out of sympathy for the young boy, or if he really had a sweet tooth!

The incident brought back a troubling memory of a trip to Tijuana a few scant years ago.

Frankly, I was appalled at all the young children - five or six years old - juggling boxes of chicklets in one hand, while tugging at the hands and heartstrings of tourists with another, along the dirty urine-soaked streets of Mexico.

The whole tawdry scene was heartbreaking, but perhaps understandable in impoverished Nations, where a nickel or a dime may make a difference in a family household each day.

That doesn't make the practise right, though.

Is child labor creeping onto the streets of the United States?

When two young girls - about 11 or 12 - dressed in clean clothes, with backpacks over their shoulders, asked me for spare change one day - I was floored!

On this occasion, I quizzed the kids, "Do your parents know you are begging for money from strangers on the street?"

They backed off, embarrassed, at a loss for words.

I had a good mind to determine who their parents were, and pay a visit, so I could bring the issue to their attention in the event they were in the dark about it.

I enjoyed a sheltered life as a child, and was brought up in the suburbs; but that doesn't mean I have to be blind to what unfolds all around me daily.

Nor should I ignore the fact that today, in the streets of America, children are being put "to work".

In fact, due to a lack of parental guidance, they're losing their innocence at a tender age.

Personally, I believe there must be a call-to-action to end the exploitation of young boys and girls in the dangerous mean streets of major American cities.

I say, give the younger generation ample chance to enjoy their youth; let not a one be tainted by the ugliness and all-pervading evil of commercialism and the almighty dollar.

There will be plenty of time for the children of the world to pursue the capitalistic ethic when they're adults, if they so choose.

God willing, with proper education, and caring mentors to guide them, who knows - the children of the new millennium may take a different, more meaningful, Spiritual path in life.

Amen!