Sexy Inc.: A Critical Look at the Hypersexualization of Childhood, DVD

The eroticization and physical objectification that are staples of the youth-focused business/media complex give the impression that exploitative, age-inappropriate sexuality is natural, normal, and even necessary. This documentary condemns the hypersexualization of kid culture and exposes the severely damaging effects of hypersexuality on young psyches—female, predominantly, but male as well. Pervasive Internet porn, which serves children as a toxic artificial standard for sexual intimacy, is also addressed. Commentary is provided by psychologist Sharon Lamb, medical and education professionals, and others working to offset the pernicious effects of “Sexy Inc.” in children’s lives. Contains mature themes and explicit language and imagery. A viewable/printable facilitation guide is available online. Original CBC broadcast title: Sexy Inc.: Our Children under Influence. (Portions in French with English subtitles, 26 minutes)

Length: 27 minutes

ORDER CODE: BVL43333

Copyright date: ©2007

Closed Captioned

Contents

Teen Commentary on Music Video (02:05)
Teenage girls discuss the offense sexual nature of music videos like Nelly Furtado's "Promiscuous Girl"; "Candy Shop" by 50 Cent; and Britney Spears "I'm a Slave for You".

Sex and Fashion (01:42)
Sexologist Francine Duquet talks about sexuality in advertising. Children receive provocative images as if they were normal. This is especially dangerous during adolescence when the desire to fit in is at an all time high.

Representation of Girls in Media (03:01)
Psychologist Sharon Lamb co-wrote "Packaging Girlhood: Rescuing Our Daughters from Marketer's Schemes". Girls are frequently advertised as sexual stereotypes. The term tween was invented to sell teen items to younger girls.

Sexy as an Image (01:59)
Liliar Goldfarb (YWCA) says shopping has replaced religion and spirituality. She introduces viewers to the highly sexualized Bratz dolls that are marketed to young girls. Celebrities also promote the idea of being sexy through their clothes and attitudes.

Stars Sell Out to Sexualization (01:37)
The idea of celebrity has strong appeal especially for girls in adolescence, a time when standing out is especially difficult. Teen girls talks about Avril Lavigne and the degrading portrayal of talented women in the media.

Stealing Childhood (01:53)
An elementary school principal has noticed that girls are overwhelmed by a desire to be seductive. The focus for young girls has turned from friendship to boys. Children of both genders are being pushed by the media toward feelings they are not ready for.

Toxic Media Culture: Sex Sells (02:31)
Psychologist Sharon Lamb says young girls are over investing in image instead of real interests and unique identities. Relationships, accomplishments and self worth will all be negatively impacted by this. Boys are encouraged to be "players".

Eroticization of Childhood (02:35)
Psychologist Sharon Lamb talks about the blurred line between sexy and innocent in media images. A sexual assault prevention worker asks audience members to determine which image is from a teen magazine and which is from a porn magazine.

Normalization of Sexual Voyeurism (02:27)
Internet access has given children and teens early exposure to sexual images. Pornography has gone from marginal to mainstream. It is used on reality TV, advertising and even some teen movies, giving the impression that is normal and even necessary.

Redefining Feminism and Sexual Freedom (03:22)
It can be said that sexualization of society is a way of keeping women "in their place". Children "dress" a partially naked model using crayons and fabric. Psychologist Sharon Lamb explains that the term "girl power" has been stolen.

My Body Belongs to Me (01:54)
At College Mont Notre Dame they do arts projects on topics like hypersexualization. Many people say they want to change the way women are exploited in the media but few actually do anything about it.

Sexy Inc.: A Critical Look at the Hypersexualization of Childhood: Credits (00:58)