Synopses & Reviews
Assembling writers, advocates, and academics, this volume spotlights the sexualization and objectification of girls and women in the media, popular culture, and society. From clothing and music to magazines and toys, this collection explores todays advertising and merchandising techniques and the effects they have on the premature portrayal of girls as sexual beings. Arguing that the sexualization of girls leads to self-destructive behaviors such as eating disorders and self-harm as well as to increased anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, this account blames corporations, the media, and the sex industry. Informative and spirited, this record will interest critics of the pornification” movement.
Review
Getting Real unmasks the tactics of those who mercilessly target children with messages that confuse and distort their development. It offers insights about how to reclaim childhood and support the critical discourse of childrens rights.” Joe Tucci, CEO, Australian Childhood Foundation
About the Author
Getting Real unflinchingly tracks the abuse that, with the pervasive penetration of pornography, becomes normal culture . . . This book shows what needs to be stopped and why.” Catharine A. MacKinnon, Elizabeth A. Long Professor of Law, University of Michigan Law School
This book is essential reading for parents, educators, and everyone who wishes to make the world a safer and healthier place for all children.” Jean Kilbourne, EdD, author, So Sexy So Soon: The New Sexualized Childhood and What Parents Can Do to Protect Their Kids
Getting Real unmasks the tactics of those who mercilessly target children with messages that confuse and distort their development. It offers insights about how to reclaim childhood and support the critical discourse of childrens rights.” Joe Tucci, CEO, Australian Childhood Foundation
Getting Real is powerful, disturbing, confronting.” Melina Marchetta, author, Looking for Alibrandi
"This was a great book to read. From HPV vaccines to plastic surgery, it's all there to ponder." Viva la Feminista
"Kudos to Melinda Tankard Reist for bringing all these arguments under one umbrella and doing much to dissipate the confusion and ambivalence surrounding discussions of this topic." The Voice Magazine"It's a confronting read. . . . but I think a necessary one to counter-balance the prevalent powers of commercialism." Girl with a Satchel blog