The Broken Chair

If you're a regular reader, you might know by now that I'm not particularly fond of certain advertising methods. While I'm all for low-brow humor, I think it has to have a context and an appropriate time and place.

Some advertising is so in-your-face, it doesn't give a viewer the option to ignore it, because by that time, it is too late. Other ads, I believe send the wrong message, and you wonder, how can you possibly counter these ads when a child is involved.

Several weeks ago my wife received a Victoria's Secret catalog and while browsing through it, she came across a makeup kit named the Very Sexy Ultimate Makeup Kit. Upon reading the description she called me over to share some of the names of the contained items: Loose Shimmer Powder in Role Play, Mosaic Eye Shadow in Satisfied, Perfect Lipstick in G and Hot Spot, Mosaic Lip Palette in Hedonist, Lip Lacquer in All Access and Chills, Lip Gloss in Lover and Hot Pants, Sheer Lip Liner in Red Light, and Silky Eye Shadow in Blindfold, Wink and Ravish Me. G spot? Hedonist? Ravish me?

I wasn't quite sure of the demographic of Victoria's Secret shoppers, but my wife believes that many young girls do shop there because of the implied sex appeal of the clothing. Which brings me to the point of all of this: is this ok?

I know they're only names, but it just doesn't feel right. If I had a 15 year old daughter, would I want her wearing Hot Pants lip gloss? And really it isn't just the names, but the whole culture being promoted. It's a culture of pornography, and while there is ample chance for kids to be exposed to porn it shouldn't start with makeup.

I would really like to hear your thoughts on this, from parents and non-parents. Have you had to filter out products from your kids that you never dreamed you'd have to? How would you feel if your child asked for this for Christmas? Or went out and bought it and was using it already. What would your reaction be?