Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood

8 04 2011

McDonald's ad, Austria

 Regular readers will know that I have talked about this topic often – the commercialization of childhood and the inappropriate (and damaging) marketing of everything under the sun to kids. More often than not the messages are highly sexualized, exploiting the very innocence that ought to be protected.

Here are two resources you may find interesting. It’s nice to share other voices and reassuring to know others are ranting about this too.

www.commercialalert.org: their mission is “to keep the commercial culture within its proper sphere, and to prevent it from exploiting children and subverting the higher values of family, community, environmental integrity and democracy”. Check out their Parents’ Bill of Rights and campaign to get salespeople out of schools.

Our nation is in the grips of a commercial hysteria. Sometimes it seems like everything is for sale. At Commercial Alert, we stand up for the idea that some things are too important to be for sale. Not our children. Not our health. Not our minds. Not our schools. Not our values. Not the integrity of our governments. Not for sale. Period.

www.commercialexploitation.org: national organization (U.S.) devoted to limiting the impact of commercial culture on children – their mission is “to reclaim childhood from corporate marketers”. Good resources and attention to diverse issues (from obesity to violence) along with clout in their advocacy efforts – they have successfully battled Disney, Scholastic Inc. (Bratz), McDonald’s and Hasbro. 

The commercialization of childhood is the link between many of the most serious problems facing children, and society, today.  Childhood obesity, eating disorders, youth violence, sexualization, family stress, underage alcohol and tobacco use, rampant materialism, and the erosion of children’s creative play, are all exacerbated by advertising and marketing.  When children adopt the values that dominate commercial culture—dependence on the things we buy for life satisfaction, a “me first” attitude, conformity, impulse buying, and unthinking brand loyalty—the health of democracy and sustainability of our planet are threatened.  CCFC works for the rights of children to grow up—and the freedom for parents to raise them—without being undermined by commercial interests.

CCFC is active in the Toronto area where a recent campaign helped stop the installation of digital monitors in area highschools (along with their ad content)…anyone involved with CCFC in Hamilton???

 


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Categories : child abuse, community development, EnMark Associates, media, youth

1 in 3 Women

4 04 2011

Ontario’s new Sexual Violence Action Plan: Changing Attitudes, Changing Lives addresses a “serious and pervasive” problem in this province. It speaks frankly (“violence against women devastates lives – it has no place in society and it will not be tolerated”) and includes a commitment of $15 million over four years ($5.2 M for public education campaigns, $1.6 M for professional training and education, $3 M for sexual assault centres, $3.7 M for interpreter services, $1.95 M for anti-human trafficking initiatives). 

Many Ontarians don’t realize the alarming statistics surrounding sexual violence and its prevalence in the lives of far too many women. One in three women will experience some form of sexual assault in their lifetime. Sexual violence crosses all social boundaries, affects women of every age and cultural background, and has devastating impacts on the lives of victims and their families as well as the well-being of society as a whole. [Laurel Broten, Minister Responsible for Women’s Issues, Sexual Violence Action Plan, March 2011].

The plan updates the Province’s former “domestic violence” action plan (2004) and addresses crimes such as sexual assault, sexual exploitation through human trafficking, sexual harassment, and sexual exploitation using technology and the Internet. It focuses on sexual violence against those 16 years of age and older (the Plan reports that separate initiatives are being developed for children and for men).

Many people only think of sexual violence as a very violent crime that happens between strangers – the perpetrator lurking in a dark alley or in the bushes. In reality, most sexual assaults are committed by someone known to the victim – an acquaintance, date, friend, colleague or family member – and often it occurs in private places, like the victim’s home [Ontario’s Sexual Violence Action Plan].

The Plan acknowledges that current statistics are alarming and that women across Ontario live in fear. The crime that is sexual violence won’t be curtailed successfully by any one effort or approach alone, thus it is heartening to see prevention as well as post-incident response included in the Province’s approach. The stated vision in the Plan is that “Ontario is a place where all women live in safety, and are free from the threat, fear or experience of sexual violence”. Published progress reports are promised after two and four-year intervals (2013 and 2015).

No less than 16 provincial Ministries are listed in the Plan as partners in the effort and members of the Ministerial Steering Committee on Violence Against Women, and the Plan highlights several collaborative approaches. It is nonetheless unfortunate that the leadership in launching this Plan came from the Minister Responsible for Women’s Issues. Sexual violence is not a “women’s issue”. But the Plan does include a request from the Province for changes to the Criminal Code of Canada and that’s a positive step in the battle against electronic victimization (among the newest threats). Also welcomed is the Province’s financial investment in education, prevention and victim response initiatives.

For a full version of the 23-page Plan click here: Ontario’s Sexual Violence Action Plan 2011.

 


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Categories : crime and violence, EnMark Associates, social media, technology, women

Sad Day to be a Girl

18 03 2011

Maybe it’s the warmer weather, or the peek of colour from crocus blooms in my garden today, but I started off with such a cheery disposition…then the media barrage began. First I read that this coming Sunday, March 20th, is the first International Anti-Street Harassment Day. Apparently a day is needed to remind us that catcalls, leers, sexual innuendo and whistles (aka street harassment) are inappropriate. I would like to think offensive behaviour is just that, offensive. Should be out of bounds each and every day. Activists would likely say I’m naive. I can’t fault their efforts to educate, and I recognize that this offensive harassment is often trivialized. According to www.StopStreetHarassment.com street harassment “includes sexually explicit comments, catcalls, groping, leering, stalking and assault, and more than 80 per cent of women have encountered it”. Learning that grim statistic makes me think a day set aside to expose the offenders isn’t such a bad idea (sad, but necessary).

Moving on with my day, I next discovered that Mattel Inc. has launched a new Barbie, called Clawdeen Wolf. This new doll’s purpose is…are you ready?…to help teach young girls about plucking and shaving. Now, I don’t want you to think I’m picking on Mattel here, but seriously…there are just too many issues here not to raise a few red flags. First, Clawdeen is clad in a micromini skirt, baring her navel, and is a ridiculous but no-longer-surprising size 2. It gets worse. The Globe & Mail reports that she boasts of being “a fierce fashionista with a confident no-nonsense attitude” and that shaving and plucking her “freaky flaws” is “a full-time job” (she’s a werewolf’s daughter, according to Mattel’s Monster High web site). Does Mattel think that the little girls who will actually play with this Barbie are in need of shaving guidance? More to the point, does Mattel see body hair as “a freaky flaw” and intend for young girls to see it that way too? Yes, Clawdeen is a toy. But she’s obviously marketed to young girls, and as toys go this is but another example of being off the mark in so many ways. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again…manufacturers need to hear from us when they so blatantly target children with messages that are sexualized and age inappropriate. Parents will no doubt be the most influential censors where purchases are concerned, but in the spirit of “it takes a village” (and recognizing that parents need all the help they can get) we should be all be offended, and vocally so. The Globe & Mail reports that Clawdeen is already a big seller, quoting a Toys ‘R’ Us spokesperson saying that Clawdeen is “the most popular fashion doll that we have today” and a Mattel spokesperson (defending the doll), saying she is “all about celebrating your imperfections and accepting the imperfections of others.”

Yes, it started out as a nice (almost spring) day. But it has turned out to be a sad day to be a girl.


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Categories : child abuse, EnMark Associates, media, youth

Searching for Porn?

31 01 2011

I ask this question because, astoundingly, the statistics collected for this web page tell me that among the top search phrases that lead people to this page are those of people looking for porn. “Illegal girls” is one such phrase. “Young porn” is another. There are search phrases in Russian and others that include graphic references. Ironic isn’t it? A search for illegal images or pornographic content relating to children connects you to the web site of a consultant whose work includes partnering with the very agencies trying to stop child porn and support its victims!

If you found this page “by accident”, take a moment to look around this site before you continue your search for child pornography (you won’t find any here). Read some of my past posts about the damage done to children by our sexually toxic environment, and think about the part you are playing in inflicting that damage. Read about the agencies who are struggling to keep up with waiting lists for trauma treatment services that are in such huge demand. Ask yourself if you’ll still be interested in the same search parameters 3 or 5 years from now, and then (assuming the answer is no) think about whether a passing interest is worth the pain it causes (child porn + fans = kids + trauma). If the answer is yes, on the other hand, please seek help.


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Talking About Mental Health

28 01 2011

Clara Hughes

You may have seen Canadian Olympian Clara Hughes on television recently promoting Bell’s “Let’s Talk Day” (February 9th). To find out more about this day in support of mental health, check this site:

http://letstalk.bell.ca/?INT=CORP_BAN_bellhmpg_bltd_011711_LM_en

The campaign is described as one aimed at raising awareness and encouraging dialogue about mental health. It is reported that 1 in 5 Canadians will experience some form of mental illness during their lifetime. It’s an important conversation. Hughes has offered up her own personal experiences as one of those affected by mental illness in order to strengthen the dialogue. The site includes a video with her story.

Also of interest, the Canadian Journal of Mental Health has published a special issue devoted to the recent Service Enhancement Evaluation Initiative (SEEI). It details four years of evaluation inside Ontario’s mental health system and specifically the impact of more than $160 million invested by the province. Dr. Lindsey George, Mental Health Program Director at the Hamilton Family Health Team, was one of the principal investigators and is a guest editor for this special issue.

To access the issue follow this link: http://www.metapress.com/content/t3487j06486q/?p=f751c446a3384cb29116b024e1f61f34&pi=1.

 


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Categories : EnMark Associates, philanthropy, research, social media, systems, technology

Food, Glorious Food

26 01 2011

All things organic, local and sustainable are on the agenda for the upcoming Hamilton food policy conference (a first). “Hammering Out a Food Policy for Hamilton: Preparing the Ground” is set for Thursday, February 10th at the Royal Botanical Gardens and will feature speakers (including Gord Hume, author of Local Food Revolution), presentations, workshops and networking. Registration deadline is February 4th. Cost for the full day event is $30 including refreshments and lunch (local and healthy, of course!).

The event is hosted by the Community Food Security Stakeholders Committee, Hamilton Eat Local, and Slow Food Hamilton. These groups may not be particularly well known but are part of an increasing movement to connect local residents with the foods they eat. They will mark February as Farm Month, for example, with various events (for details go to www.environmenthamilton.org) including a gathering at the newly-renovated Hamilton Farmers’ Market and a food film festival on Locke St.

Growing your own vegetables this year? Interested in ways to eat local all year round? Or just wondering what sustainable agricultural policy looks like? These events are for you. A nice opportunity to escape winter and think about seeds, soil and Savoy cabbage instead of snow and shovels for a bit. And, if you’re a parent, these promise many teachable moments…how far, for example, did the items on your dinner menu tonight have to travel before making it to your table? Do your teens know where they can get a locavore pizza? Did you know you can volunteer for a local fruit tree project to pick (and share) fruit that would otherwise go to waste? Fun to find out, and important information for community members who agree that  local food is better food.


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Categories : community development, EnMark Associates, Hamilton Ontario

Safer Internet Day

22 01 2011

Check out the link below to receive information from the Canadian Centre for Child Protection  about Safer Internet Day, February 8, 2011 (including a reminder closer to the date if you’d like one):

http://www.saferinternetday.ca/app/en/

CCCP’s web site also offers valuable information and tools, so check that too:

http://protectchildren.ca/app/en/home

You’ll find education, awareness and prevention materials as well as research, a parent survey and access to CyberTip!ca, a tipline for reporting online sexual exploitation of children.

Resources for children and teens of all ages are provided, and are suitable for passing along to young people who use the Internet or text messaging, or are otherwise active online. A wealth of valuable information to be shared.


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New Issue of Leadership Briefing

16 12 2010

The most recent issue of the Community Child Abuse Council’s Leadership Briefing is now available. To view a copy, visit their web site www.childabusecouncil.on.ca.

These briefings are produced regularly by Karen Smith for the Council and include research, updates and happenings related to the Council, child abuse in general, and child sexual maltreatment in particular. To be added to the mailing list for future issues (electronic only) email me or the Council.


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The Twinkle in Mohawk’s Eye

19 11 2010

Hamilton may be known as a university town, but right now it’s Mohawk College adding some sparkle and polish to the steel city. The new campus renovations, including an impressive new Learning Exchange building, are the twinkle in Mohawk College’s eye, and that eye is apparently fixed confidently on the future. Great expanses of glass, some of it in a rainbow of subtle colours, command attention along the new Fennel Avenue facade. Lettering on the new

(Photo: Mohawk College)

sign (with new logo) is some 5 ft. tall. The new Cummings Library has enhanced wireless access, e-learning and an innovative “collaboratory”. Common spaces abound, with sofas and large booths as well as more traditional seating. And, yes, there’s even a Starbucks. The college calls it “a new campus for a new decade”.

(Mohawk College)

This week the college is hosting several events that are part of The Hamilton Music Awards, and is one of the presenting sponsors. Showcasing local talent and honouring area musicians, this is a fitting venue for Mohawk College to encourage and attract young music students and connect with its community. Rob MacIsaac, President, describes Hamilton as “a great place to learn” thanks in part to Mohawk College and “a great place to call home” thanks in part to the musical icons and upcoming stars being recognized this weekend.

The festival and conference portions of the 5-day event are now on, with the Industry Awards on Saturday evening and the Hamilton Music Awards on Sunday evening (including a lifetime achievement award to Lighthouse founder and Hamiltonian Ronn “Skip” Prokop). Many talented people will walk the halls of Mohawk College for these events, including young talents whose future may well include enrollment at Mohawk. The new campus additions bode well for tomorrow’s student body and for Hamilton, with exemplary environmental design features and an obvious nod to learning comforts. Named the Centre for Entrepreneurship, Learning and Innovation this is the college’s largest-ever project and it is aptly named. The official opening won’t happen until January 2011 but already it’s apparent that the campus has been transformed.

Turns out Hamilton isn’t just a university and college town, it’s home to some of the most innovative educational facilities found anywhere. And, for Mohawk College, this most recent achievement came without aid of federal funds (requested but denied when infrastructure money was being allocated). That’s no small accomplishment, and something to be applauded.


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Old Spice?

9 11 2010

Marketing magazine recently reported that Canadians are fans of the current Old Spice advertising campaign (“You like the way I look. Of course you do.”). Not only was it the most recognized campaign, it was also the best liked in this country (least liked? The family chasing the Dairy Queen Blizzard truck).

Flash back for a moment to 1965 and imagine the likelihood of either of these marketing campaigns being successful. A naked guy taunting us from the shower? A family drive with Mom on the hood of the car trying to grab hold of an ice cream truck? Doubtful these would ever have been conceived, let alone aired and memorable. My point here is that things have changed considerably in the way marketing reaches us. More disturbing to me is the change in how it affects us, and what has become acceptable to so many of us.

The so-called “prime time” viewing slots on television have opened up to include programming that once was restricted to much later hours and intended for adults only. Shows like “Pimp My Ride” and “Desperate Housewives” are now airing when young kids are still in their living rooms. Not that long ago, Brooke Shields caused a tremendous uproar by exposing her navel and midrift in an advertising campaign. Bratz dolls have sexed up their wardrobes to the point that once-fashionable Barbie has now donned similar garb in order to stay “trendy” and competitive. The cast of Glee on the cover of GQ magazine has been in the news for its racy portrayal of highschool kids, and children have come to know firefighters in most communities as heroes and calendar pinups.

There’s only one common element in all this, and it’s money. Whatever sells goes. And we buy it. Every lowdown, inappropriate and disrespectful moment of it. Maybe our filters are so tired from trying to screen and distinguish among all this stuff that they just don’t work anymore. Or maybe we’ve just become numb to all the skin and sex and selling. Old Spice sales reportedly are up, and Bratz dolls are again being touted as a must-have item for the holidays this year. Trouble is, child abuse is up too. Domestic assaults are still a plague on families. Pornography still nets kids and ruins lives. The links are obvious. What we do about it is trickier.

Stop advertising? No. Censor more of this stuff? Governments won’t do it. Quit spending our money on the products and services that try to sell to kids with sex and violence? Now that just might work. I spoke to a mother the other day who had been trying to explain to her 8-year old why a particular mannequin’s outfit was inappropriate for school (mini skirt, lacy tights, spaghetti strap/sequin top). It’s not easy. I admire her taking a stand though, and she showed that it can be done (and done at any age) with patience and love. She told me she’d rather put up with a few tantrums than risk the alternative.

Can we find more ways to reinforce the appropriate, and gradually reduce the inappropriate, from our lives and the lives of young children? Can we do a better job of turning trashy TV into teachable moments for kids? I think so. And I tip my hat to all those parents out there who are trying to do just that every day. Their task is daunting, and they could use our help and reinforcement. Whether you have children or not, take opportunities to voice your disapproval when the merchandise in the next store you visit falls well short of the mark for appropriateness. As I often hear teachers and parents telling children, “use your voice”.

Photo: spreadshirt.com


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Categories : child abuse, community development, EnMark Associates, media, women, youth

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