a public health issue: how a pornified culture is distorting dance (pg rated)
TRANSCRIPT
The Opportunity: Benefits of Dance for Kids
The Problem: Hyper-Sexualization of Children in Dance
The Big Picture: A Pornified Culture
The Solution: Education & Action
8 - 9 Year Old Dancers
The OpportunityBenefits of Dance for Kids
Dance is a wonderful activity for children.
Research shows that children’s dance classes
– with age-appropriate standards –
help children mature physically, emotionally, socially and cognitively.
The Opportunity: Benefits of Dance for Kids
Standards for Dance in Early Childhood. (n.d.). Retrieved July 6, 2016, from http://www.ndeo.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=893257&module_id=55419
Children in dance learn advanced skills in …
Creativity
Problem Solving
Risk Taking
Higher Order Thinking
Communication
Social Awareness
Emotional Maturity
Improved Self-Esteem
The Opportunity: Benefits of Dance for Kids
Hanna, J. L. (1999). Partnering dance and education. Intelligent moves for changing times. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.
Tarr, B., Launay, J., & Dunbar, R. I. (2016). Silent disco: Dancing in synchrony leads to elevated pain thresholds and social closeness.Evolution and Human Behavior. doi:10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2016.02.004
Look at the beauty of healthy, age-appropriate dance …
The Opportunity: Benefits of Dance for Kids
The ProblemHyper-Sexualization of Children in Dance
Over the course of the last decade, dance for youngchildren - particularly little girls - has changed.
Girls are becoming increasingly sexualizedthrough dance at younger and younger ages.
The Problem: Hyper-Sexualization of Children in Dance
Age appropriate choreography has morphed into
reality TV shows and dance recitals that exploit and sexualize children.
Contestants on Reality Show
“Toddlers & Tiaras”
8 – 9 Year Old Dancers
The Problem: Hyper-Sexualization of Children in Dance
The Problem: Hyper-Sexualization of Children in Dance
Here’s an example with dancers age 8 and 9 …
Click here to view this dance in it’s entirety.
Hypersexualization of young girls: Why should we care? (n.d.). Retrieved July 12, 2016, from http://www.cwhn.ca/en/hypersexualizationprimer
American Psychological Association, Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls. (2007). Report of the APA Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls. Retrieved from hhttp://www.apa.org/pi/women/programs/girls/report.aspx
What Does it Mean to Sexualize Girls?
The American Psychological Association says sexualization is different than healthy sexuality.
A girl is sexualized when:
• She is valued only for her sexual appeal or behavior rather than other characteristics
• Her physical attractiveness is equated with being sexy
• She is treated as a sexual object — that is, made into a thing for others’ sexual use, rather than seen as aperson with the capacity for independent action and decision making
• Sexuality is inappropriately imposed on her
The Problem: Hyper-Sexualization of Children in Dance
The sexualization of girls is not new.
Though today with digital media
the sexualization of girls has become
commonplace, widespread and a pervasive cultural norm.
Hypersexualization of young girls: Why should we care? (n.d.). Retrieved July 12, 2016, from http://www.cwhn.ca/en/hypersexualizationprimer
The Problem: Hyper-Sexualization of Children in Dance
The massive onslaught of sexualized messages is
having an impact on girls at younger and younger ages.
Recent research shows that most girls – as young as 6-years old – are beginning to
think of themselves as sex objects.
Hypersexualization of young girls: Why should we care? (n.d.). Retrieved July 12, 2016, from http://www.cwhn.ca/en/hypersexualizationprimer
Levin, Diane E., Kilbourne, Jean. So Sexy, So Soon. (2009). Ballantine Books.
The Problem: Hyper-Sexualization of Children in Dance
Hypersexualization of young girls: Why should we care? (n.d.). Retrieved July 12, 2016, from http://www.cwhn.ca/en/hypersexualizationprimer
Levin, Diane E., Kilbourne, Jean. So Sexy, So Soon. (2009). Ballantine Books.
Girls’ sexual development is being hijacked.
The culture invites them to imitate the porn-style dance moves of their favorite stars.
Yet, they do not have the emotional sophistication
to understand what they are seeing and doing.
The Problem: Hyper-Sexualization of Children in Dance
American Psychological Association, Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls. (2007). Report of the APA Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls. Retrieved from hhttp://www.apa.org/pi/women/programs/girls/report.aspx
Where do girls receive sexualization messages from?
The American Psychological Association’s task force on theSexualization of Girls found sexualized messages come from:
Media - including television, music videos, music lyrics,movies, magazines, sports media, video games, the Internetand advertising
Personal Relationships – such as with parents, teachers,and peers
Girls Themselves - when purchasing products and clothesdesigned to make them look physically appealing and sexy,and if they style their identities after the sexy celebrities whopopulate their cultural landscape, they are sexualizingthemselves.
The Problem: Hyper-Sexualization of Children in Dance
Hypersexualization of young girls: Why should we care? (n.d.). Retrieved July 12, 2016, from http://www.cwhn.ca/en/hypersexualizationprimer
Advertisements of Young Girls in ‘Sexy’ Poses
10-Year Old Model
Thylane Blondeau
Diapers
The Problem: Hyper-Sexualization of Children in Dance
Here are some examples:
Hypersexualization of young girls: Why should we care? (n.d.). Retrieved July 12, 2016, from http://www.cwhn.ca/en/hypersexualizationprimer
Sexualized Products & Product Marketing
Ages 5+ Ages 3+
The Problem: Hyper-Sexualization of Children in Dance
The Problem: Hyper-Sexualization of Children in Dance
And here are a few examples of how the
sexualization of girls is distorting children’s dance …
Over 100 global reports have revealed the
negative effects sexualized messages are having on
the healthy development of children.
We need to ensure the dance classroom is a safe place
for kids to experience and delight in dance –
without exploitation.The KidsPace Code of Practice (n.d.), Retrieved July 13, 2016 from http://www.kidspacecode.com/#!dance-code-of-practice/eft5lAmerican Psychological Association, Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls. (2007). Report of the APA Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls. Retrieved from hhttp://www.apa.org/pi/women/programs/girls/report.aspx
The Problem: Hyper-Sexualization of Children in Dance
The Problem: Hyper-Sexualization of Children in Dance
Here Dr. Tomi-Ann Roberts, PhD talks about
the sexualization of girls in mainstream dance …
American Psychological Association, Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls. (2007). Report of the APA Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls. Retrieved from hhttp://www.apa.org/pi/women/programs/girls/report.aspxE.D.I.F.Y. Movement. (2015, July 11). Dr. Tomi-Ann Roberts, PHD sits down with Y.P.A.D. about the Sexualization of Children in Dance [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwtMavXJv5s
The Problem: Hyper-Sexualization of Children in Dance
There are many known effects of the sexualization of girls in dance …
American Psychological Association, Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls. (2007). Report of the APA Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls. Retrieved from hhttp://www.apa.org/pi/women/programs/girls/report.aspxE.D.I.F.Y. Movement. (2015, July 11). Dr. Tomi-Ann Roberts, PHD sits down with Y.P.A.D. about the Sexualization of Children in Dance [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwtMavXJv5s
The Effects of Sexualization
American Psychological Association, Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls. (2007). Report of the APA Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls. Retrieved from hhttp://www.apa.org/pi/women/programs/girls/report.aspx
Body Dysmorphia
Eating Disorders
Poor Academic Performance
Promiscuity
Teen Pregnancy
Higher Risk of Abusive Relationships
Higher Risk of Pornography Use
Unable to Identify Sexual Abuse
Mismanagement of Social Networking
Promotes Rape Culture
Promotes Objectification of Females
Relationship Wounding due to Constant
Comparison
Co-Dependence
Desensitization
The Problem: Hyper-Sexualization of Children in Dance
Children exposed to sexual, pornographic images – or ideas –
are more vulnerable than adults because
children are more likely to instinctivelyimitate behaviors they are exposed to (due to mirror neurons).
Pornography harms children - Dr. Sharon Cooper, M.D. at PornHarms.com briefing [Video File]. (2010, December 6). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFw1Cnuq9jc
Jensen, K. (2014, September 4). Can soft-core porn damage your child’s brain? Retrieved from http://protectyoungminds.org/2014/09/04/can-soft-core-porn-damage-your-childs-brain/
Cognitive Effects of Sexualization
The Problem: Hyper-Sexualization of Children in Dance
Plus, children exposed to pornography
experience neurological stress.
Their brains are simply not mature enough to handle the exposure to porn.
They also are more likely to develop impulsive behavior and are less able to think critically.
Pornography harms children - Dr. Sharon Cooper, M.D. at PornHarms.com briefing [Video File]. (2010, December 6). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFw1Cnuq9jc
Jensen, K. (2014, September 4). Can soft-core porn damage your child’s brain? Retrieved from http://protectyoungminds.org/2014/09/04/can-soft-core-porn-damage-your-childs-brain/
The Problem: Hyper-Sexualization of Children in Dance
The Problem: Hyper-Sexualization of Children in Dance
When sexually explicit music is used for children’s dance,
it has a huge effect on children …
E.D.I.F.Y. Movement. (2015, July 11). Dr. Tomi-Ann Roberts, PHD sits down with Y.P.A.D. about the Sexualization of Children in Dance [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwtMavXJv5sDr. Christina Donaldson talks with YPAD about the effects of sexualized music and dance on youth. (2016, February 9). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J948ovWHUZg
Boys and Sexualization
There is a growing trend to sexually objectify the male body inmass marketing and popular media.
Boys experience similar effects that girls experience, such as:
• Body-image problems
• Eating disorders and body dysmorphia
• Less likely to seek help for problems
Daniel Agliata, Stacey Tantleff-Dunn (2004). The Impact of Media Exposure on Males' Body Image. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology: Vol. 23, 1 Special Issue: Body Image and Eating Disorders: Influence of Media Images, pp. 7-22.
Prud’homme, J. (2015, July 21). Popular Culture and the Male Body: A New Challenge. Retrieved from http://www.thepublicdiscourse.com/2015/07/15310/?utm_source=The+Witherspoon+Institute&utm_campaign=02321aada7-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_15ce6af37b-02321aada7-
84110661
The Problem: Hyper-Sexualization of Children in Dance
Additionally,
the objectification of men by women feeds the objectification of women by men.
Research shows that male objectification feeds “sexual animosity.”
Sexual animosity in young males results in increased consumption of media that objectifies women.
And the problem continues to grow!
Daniel Agliata, Stacey Tantleff-Dunn (2004). The Impact of Media Exposure on Males' Body Image. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology: Vol. 23, 1 Special Issue: Body Image and Eating Disorders: Influence of Media Images, pp. 7-22.
Prud’homme, J. (2015, July 21). Popular Culture and the Male Body: A New Challenge. Retrieved from http://www.thepublicdiscourse.com/2015/07/15310/?utm_source=The+Witherspoon+Institute&utm_campaign=02321aada7-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_15ce6af37b-02321aada7-
84110661
The Problem: Hyper-Sexualization of Children in Dance
The Big PictureA Pornified Culture
The Big Picture: A Pornified Culture
The culture has changed.
There is a rapid increase
in the hyper-sexualization of kids – at younger and younger ages –
is due to a larger public health issue –
a growing pornified culture.
The facts: Mainstream porn is free, hardcore and harming children and youth. Retrieved from http://www.culturereframed.org/the-crisis/
Mainstream porn is free, hardcore and harming children.
The Pornography Facts:
1) Porn sites comprise 12% of the internet
2) Porn sites get more visitors monthly than Netflix, Amazon and Twitter combined
3) 35% of all internet downloads are pornographic
4) 90% of children ages 8 -16 have viewed porn
5) The largest consumers of pornography are 12-17 year old boys
6) Pornography has become a primary source of information about sex especially among children and adolescents.
7) 90% contained at least one aggressive act against women.
The Big Picture: A Pornified Culture
As pornography becomes normalized
society starts to unknowingly accept the effects it has on our children.
Dance becomes distorted.
The Big Picture: A Pornified Culture
The SolutionEducation & Action
What Can You Do?
Dancers from Dance Moms
10 – 12-year olds
The Solution: Education & Action
1) Educate Yourself & Others
2) Take Action & Speak Out
Here’s how …
The Solution: Education & Action
Visit: soultosolechoreography.org
Click on DA:NCE.
1. Sign the online petition to stop adult costumes, choreography
and music for children.
2. Share this free presentation with friends and family via social
media and present it to your local community groups.
1. View and download the dance studio toolkit to educate dancers
and dance studios.
2. Advocate for age-appropriate dance. Join YPAD.
The Solution: Education & Action
Visit: ypad4change.org
1. Download YPAD’s Standards for Costumes, Music,
Choreography, Judging and more. Then share this resource
with dance studios and parents.
1. Share these music libraries with dance studios:
• Y.P.A.D. Spotify Playlist
• Y.P.A.D Dancer’s Playlist on Facebook
• Squirrel Trench Audio music library
1. Educate yourself further with additional resources here.
2. Become a YPAD Member and be an advocate for change.
3. For the full interviews with Tomi-Ann Roberts, Ph.D and Dr.
Christina Donaldson, Ph.D from Youth Protection Advocates in
Dance, visit ypad4change.org/resources
The Solution: Education & Action
“Through education and activism
we stand united to stop all
exploitation of youth in performing
arts”
Visit: kidspacecode.com
1. Share their Dance Code of Practice with dance studios.
2. Download their resources for parents, dance educators and
schools
Visit: dianeelevin.com/sosexysosoon/
1. Read the book and help guide your kids
The Solution: Education & Action
Visit: endsexualexploitation.org
1. Educate yourself with additional resources here
2. Join the movement to end sexual exploitation
3. Sign petitions to end sexual exploitation
The Solution: Education & Action
Dance is powerful.
The ability to move and communicate at the heart level is stirring.
Children deserve to learn and experience the gift of dance insafe environments that do not sexualize them.
Children deserve to love dance, their bodies andthemselves.
Children deserve not to be victims of sexual exploitation.
The Solution: Education & Action
Join us!