A strange article in “The Nation” of this week, co-authored by women apparently versed in ’tween and adolescent matters of what’s selling. They cite a stat from a market research firm [NPD] that the sale of thongs climbed to $610 million and $150 million of which from girls ranging in age 13-17. Manufacturers are treating these like T’ shirts with all kinds of naughty and cute inscriptions and logos from Dr. Suess Cat to Muppets, not to mention a puppy thong with the inscription “Wanna Bone?” — all of which is aimed at sexiness at lower ages and to go along with the stripper-pole rising in sales among all too young girls. So much for the defense of the “free-market.” Of course, firms profess that is all harmless fun.

The co-authors bring up an interesting incident when Mayor La Guardia, of Liberal-Republican coalition, decreed that nude dancers in the ‘39 World’s Fair cover their private parts. Yes, even then exotic dancing existed and no wonder since the beginning of civilization male power made the art mandatory. The twist now — I suspect since MTV and Madonna — is that it is girl power that is in the forefront, and the message is that one can look and salivate but not touch — demure behavior has gone to hell. If it were so that this melodramatic demonstration meant abstinence, then it is a good thing but gauche. In my day it was called “tease” and it worked only because virginity was paramount and if it did not work it meant “slut.”

Now conservatives would be quick on the trigger that liberals brought this kind of freedom on. Yet how is it Tipper Gore led the fight in the 80s to ward off such trends? And surely La Guardia — when there was such a thing as progressive Republicans — had posted long ago a warning sign? I have been a Democrat all my adult years and sometimes locally voted liberal. But those were the days when parties emphasized political reform, not culture. I no longer consider myself liberal for the simple reason I detest campy pimps like Heffner and what’s his name from “Screw”, and also Joe Francis, the surfer peeping tom, who are no more interested in the liberal wing of “politics” than the neo-cons. I am strictly a New Dealer concerned about the general and moral welfare of the greatest nation in history and fill up when it degenerates into inane frivolity.


Copyright © 2004 Richard R. Kennedy All rights reserved. Revised: January 4, 2004.