The Madeleine Brand Show for August 22, 2011

Parenting on the Edge: don't tell girls they're cute

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Is there anything wrong with telling young girls they're cute?

A new study from the University of Buffalo suggests that women in the media are portrayed in a more sexualized way than ever before. And, researchers add, these portrayals can exacerbate eating disorders and violence against women and girls. It may come as no surprise that the media can have negative effect on young women, but what about compliments paid by family members and friends? If a friend comments on your little girl's adorable smile or beautiful hair might that lead to trouble down the road? Maybe so, argues Lisa Bloom in a Huffington post piece. Bloom is the author of the book Think: Straight Talk for Women to Stay Smart in a Dumbed Down World.


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