Monday

A Letter to Victoria Secret from a Father

The average age for a girl in America to be trafficked is 12-14. Out society's sexualization of young girls only fuels this problem.

Men are not always the problem. Sometimes they are the heroes, the solution.

One such man, a father who believes girls should have value beyond their bodies, has written a letter to Victory Secret. The letter got over two million views and was addressed on multiple news outlets. I loved it so much, I asked him if I could share it with you.

He said yes.

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Dear Victoria’s Secret,

I am a father of a three year old girl. She loves princesses, Dora the Explorer, Doc McStuffins and drawing pictures for people. Her favorite foods are peanut butter and jelly, cheese and pistachios.

Even though she is only three, as a parent I have had those thoughts of my daughter growing up and not being the little girl she is now. It is true what they say about kids, they grow up fast. No matter how hard I try I know that she will not be the little ball of energy she is now; one day she will be a rebellious teenager that will more than likely think her dad is a total goof ball and would want to distance herself from my embarrassing presence.

I know that this is far down the line and I try to spend as much time as I can with her making memories of this special time.

But as I read an article today posted on The Black Sphere, it really got me thinking that maybe the culture that we currently find ourselves in is not helping the cause.

Recently I read an article that Victoria’s Secret is launching a line of underwear and bras aimed at middle school aged children. The line will be called “Bright Young Things” and will feature ” lace black cheeksters with the word “Wild” emblazoned on them, green and white polka-dot hipsters screen printed with “Feeling Lucky?” and a lace trim thong with the words, “Call me” on the front.”

As a dad, this makes me sick.


The Date Panty
This one's called "The Date Panty"

I believe that this sends the wrong message to not only my daughter but to all young girls.
 

I don’t want my daughter to ever think that her self-worth and acceptance by others is based on the choice of her undergarments. I don’t want my daughter to ever think that to be popular or even attractive she has to have emblazon words on her bottom. 

I want my daughter (and every girl) to be faced with tough decisions in her formative years of adolescence. Decisions like should I be a doctor or a lawyer? Should I take calculus as a junior or a senior? Do I want to go to Texas A&M or University of Texas or some Ivy League School? Should I raise awareness for slave trafficking or lack of water in developing nations? There are many, many more questions that all young women should be asking themselves… not will a boy (or girl) like me if I wear a “call me” thong?

I want my daughter to know that she is perfect the way she is; I want my daughter to know that no matter what underwear she is wearing it does not define her.

I believe that this new line “Bright Young Things” thwarts the efforts of empowering young women in this country. “Bright Young Things” gives off the message that women are sex objects. This new line promotes it at a dangerously young age.

I implore you to reconsider your decision to start this line.

By doing so you will put young girl’s self-esteem, self-worth and pride above profits.

Sincerely,
Rev. Evan Dolive
Houston, TX


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Thank you to Rev. Evan and all the men out there who value their daughters, their wives, and all women. Every girl needs to know there are men who want to defend them, not exploit them.

Please leave a comment below for Rev. Evan, Victoria's Secret, or any girl tempted to place her value in her body or what she wears.


Related Posts: Nancy Drew Isn't Real and the Traffickers aren't that Stupid

Pretty Woman and the Media's Glamorization of Prostitution

8 comments:

  1. Great post... It couldn't be more important in a world where girls are made to believe that being a girl, a young lady, a woman is all about what's under their clothes rather than in their hearts.

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  2. My greatest prayer for all my kids, my daughter especially, is that they know their worth IN CHRIST. Thanks for a great post!

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  3. I too agree with this father....our kids should not be put in this position and feel the need to have this kind of under garments....what's wrong with a 6 pack of hanes her way....regular cut with strips or solids and such.....a careing mom..

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  4. I agree with you all! My little girl has ponies on her undies and as far as I'm concerned, she can keep that up till she's 30! I want her to know her worth is in what God says about her, not what some airbrushed, starving (literally--before the Victory Secret show, models actually do not eat for days, and the day of, they don't even drink, not an ideal that should be held up to our daughters!) model implies.

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  5. Kimberly, I am so glad you posted this. Loved this post. Please post this blog post or another one of your choice on my blog hop at : http://www.juanamikels.com/2013/04/wednesdays-prayer-girls-blog-link-up.html

    email me juanamikels(at)gmail(dot)com if you have any trouble just click the blue words "click here to enter." & follow the easy steps

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  6. Thank you, Rev. Dolive. A father who cares, sets limits, and protects his daughter and her heart makes all the difference in the world. What a blessed girl you have. -Katie J.

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