September 4, 2006
*Update–We added Dads to our group to create Moms & Dads for Modesty as fathers have a large effect on their children’s impressions and tastes.
Sassy. Diva. Angel. Apple Bottoms. Man-eater. All this has been plastered across little girls’ chests and rumps by the designers of multi-million dollar companies. Others prefer to make low cut, revealing or tight-fitting clothing for girls as young as 4. My infant daughter has a tennis dress that says “Tennis Team” across her diaper. Why is this necessary? Why are we sexualizing our little girls from birth? And then we wonder why little girls are r@ped, @bused or have self-esteem issues that stem from their body image.
EverydayMommy had a discussion a week or so back about little girls and revealing clothing. It’s appalling what the fashion houses expect us to buy, but I know from experience working in a design house, that they will only make what sells. I can remember so many great designs being sent back to us because the buyers of the large department stores were not convinced that modesty would sell. And if we look on the streets, in our churches and on the TV we see that sometimes immodesty does sell.
EverydayMommy has teamed up with Rocks In My Dryer, Don’t Try This At Home, and The Hutch to create this:
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 womens clothing that is modest, affordable and stylish.
Please go to EverydayMommy’s post to comment and show your support. Hopefully the buyers at major stores, such as Macy’s, Kohl’s, WalMart and others, will hear our voices and begin to change their merchandising strategies.
September 5, 2006 at 6:58 pm
I agree totally with Moms for Modesty, below you will find excerpts of two letters my husband wrote to Nordstoms in Providence RI, where we were shopping last night struggling with this very issue. I think it is a boost for this cause.
“I wanted to write you in commendation of the exceptional service we received from Mandy Harris yesterday evening. My nine year old daughter, Sarah, has the distinction of being very tall and slightly overweight so the clothing in the children’s department no longer fits her; hence the salesperson suggested we check Brass Plum, which we did with some trepidation.
That’s when we had the honor of meeting and working with Mandy. We explained our dilemma to her and our concern that the styles in Brass Plum may not be age appropriate for a nine year old girl. Mandy not only listened to our concerns, she took the time to educate us how the clothing in Brass Plum could be worn in an age appropriate manner. Furthermore, she took the time to help us find the right sizes, bringing multiple garments to the dressing room for her to try on and explained how they could and should be worn. All in all she spent close to 45 minutes with us. She even took the time to show us on the register display the style of shoes which would go best with the clothes we purchased.
Mandy gave us the legendary service one expects to receive in Nordstrom, and did so graciously and generously. Her concern for our situation was heartfelt and genuine, and her suggestions most appropriate. It is understandable why Nordstrom is as successful as it is with employees like Mandy. Because of associates like Mandy, we will travel over an hour each way to do to shop at Nordstrom.”
Another except from the second letter:
“As we walked around the floor we met Jessica in Women’s Active. We explained our situation and what we were looking for. She immediately responded to our needs; first by helping us to determine the correct sizes by trying on multiple garments and then by helping us locate suitable styles for her. Even more impressive, was Jessica’s knowledge of the neighboring department’s clothing. All in all, Jessica spent over an hour helping us with a great attitude and smile.”
We left in slight shock, yet thrilled with our purchases. Modest, good fit and the decent lengths.
Thank you for having Moms for Modesty.
ggm
September 7, 2006 at 2:13 am
GGM– Thanks for sharing your letters with us! I definitely think that is the next step: writing letters to the stores we want to shop at. Thank you for supporting Moms & Dads for Modesty.
September 10, 2006 at 2:09 am
I’m glad this was changed to also include Dads. There are dads out there, me included, who feel strongly about keeping our daughters’s virtue intact, and that our young men don’t need to be so tempted to break their virtue and chastity because our young women wear alluring clothing.
July 31, 2007 at 12:50 pm
Two letters to the editor published by the Deseret Morning News:
Clothing sends a message
The other day, I was riding the bus when a young woman boarded. She was wearing a skimpy pink halter top with the word “Kink” emblazoned on the front. As soon as she sat down, she called a friend and complained about men driving and honking and whistling at her. I have to ask, what did she expect? She obviously dressed to be “seen.”
Are there really parents who send their young ones out the door with suggestive messages and immodest clothing? Parents, please don’t give the world the wrong message about your children. Dress them in appropriate clothing.
James Hofheins
Murray, Utah
Girls’ attire is too trashy
Years ago, a voice on television asked: “Parents . . . do you know where your children are?” Allow me a little poetic license. Moms, dads, do you have any idea what your young children are wearing?
Walking downtown today, I saw two girls, probably around 10 years old, wearing trashy, seductive clothing. One’s shirt indicated she wanted to be a model in a pornographic magazine. The other stated that she was plainly willing to do anything for the right “man.”
If parents know about these fashions and are buying them for their children, what message does that send to them and to their friends?
If you are sending your young ones out the door, appropriately dressed, I applaud you.
James Hofheins
Murray, Utah
http://hofheins.wordpress.com/