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It is very easy to ignore the impact of media on fashion trends when one focuses on the macro picture. However, the impact is harmful and even evil when one focuses on specific instances. News of 8-year-old girls opting for push up bras simply because they want to look sexy quickly is attributed to overemphasis of media on sexual aspect of fashion.
It is very convenient to blame the parents for not keeping their kids under control. However, can one really blame the parents for not maintaining control when kids are flooded with images of fashion at its sexiest best throughout their daily routine?
There are many who say that the coördination between media and fashion industry is a harmless issue and is not as bad as intervention of media in the political arena. However, this so-called harmless intervention invariably causes massive trouble for young children. More and more children are losing their innocence quickly. The effect of media and fashion and, more particularly, its joint venture, cannot be ignored.
The worst part is that any attempts to muzzle the media results in an outcry that, understandably, leads to other implications. To muzzle the freedom of press is not a solution. However, to allow the press to continue in its currently irresponsible way will not work either. At the end of the day, self-regulation is important. The media cannot insist that its job is to act as a mirror and that the person viewing the reflection must use his or her intellect. The media owes it to the world to behave in a responsible and mature manner.
