The Babes Project is passionate about placing value upon life. We believe in the value of women, treating them with respect and dignity and walking alongside them in certain seasons of life.
Recently there have been a couple of things which have caught our attention for all the wrong reasons.
Unfortunately, for a variety of reasons many women already live with a warped view of themselves. Depression, anxiety disorders, self harm, abuse, drug addiction, eating disorders all play a part in the lives of many women, as they strive to find what it is they are supposed to be. In our society there aren’t many who are strong enough to send out a positive message, so the model becomes whatever our ever changing society lists as cool, relevant or “hot”.
Recently we’ve seen a rise in vampire related storylines in our movies, books and TV shows. The image of death, darkness, and a life of harm and danger is becoming increasingly popular, and then we wonder why so many commit suicide or suffer depression… why? Because the media tells us (whether directly or indirectly), living like this is good.
This morning I saw evidence of this as I walked past the Australian men’s clothing retailer Roger David. I was with my two daughters in a suburban shopping centre, standing in front of the store window. I couldn’t miss the large floor to ceiling poster of a young women looking extremely dishevelled and gagged. This is one of the t-shirts in the new “Blood is the new black” line (Go here for more info on this range).
Roger David has been quick to defend this range, but show little recognition for how it can be perceived. It seems if something can be deemed ‘art’, no one can comment.
Described as being a statement about Hollywood, it clearly is not going to translate in this way to my pre-teen daughter. Before we ask ourselves “what is this artist trying to portray?” we see a female dehumanised and restricted. This contributes to a lack of respect and dignity that women deserve. It confuses our growing children about what is cool and even goes a step further into dulling us to what is right and wrong. I would LOVE to see Roger David pull these t-shirts from their stores, but cannot see that happening unless they feel people are upset by this.
The other topic on my mind is a result of @abcnews tweeting an article yesterday about the comments of our Deputy Prime Minister in response to Tony Abbott’s thoughts on the sexuality of women.
The article (which can be viewed in full here) reports that in an interview with Opposition Leader the Australian Women’s Weekly quoted him as saying “women should treat their virginity as a gift that should not be given away lightly.”
He went on further to say that although he wasn’t trying to preach to anyone, he thinks we should all act in ways that value ourselves… “…because in the end these are all very personal things.”
The disappointing part of this article was the negative slant given as Gillard’s opinion of his comments was reported. She went as far as saying Abbott’s comments will “confirm their [women’s] worst fears” about the Opposition Leader.
Huh?
This only consolidates my previous mentioned concern that we follow an ever changing opinion about what is cool, current and relevant, with little thought to our own personal values. I can’t imagine there would be many parents who would disagree with Tony Abbott. But unfortunately we are so concerned with being seen to be politically correct and even ‘liked’ that we instead allow his stance to be seen as negative. When did we become so offended with taking a stance which protects one from potential harm? Having someone in Government who believes in instilling value in our kids, no matter what’s popular, certainly is not my “worst fear.”
We have become so distracted with politics that we have lost sight of what is good or bad, right or wrong, positive or negative.
When did it become so terrible to encourage women to protect their sexuality?
Why is it okay to do what we like, no matter the possible harm, in the name of art?
In being exposed to these images and political views, what are women to think? In order to be cool, freethinking, fit in with others, and to do what everyone else is doing; should we strive to fit these images? No matter how we are portrayed?
I cannot help but think of the growing concern both globally and nationally, over human trafficking. In fact it is turning into an outrage, which rightly so, every second person is passionate about stopping. But are we are missing our part in this? We allow society to dictate our value, promote negative images and to promote a “careless” attitude toward sexuality. Why then, are we surprised that many in our world don’t know where it all stops and then take advantage in the most horrific way. Why are we outraged when a horrific act occurs, but never put a stop to what contributes to it bit-by-bit in the years prior?
The Babes Project believes in a new message for women. She is to be valued. Sometimes life doesn’t stop long enough to stand strong in what she wants and believes. Then soon enough her life is swept away in a society that is content with selling the next image, without a thought of where it may leave her.
We are committed to coming alongside women and showing value, love and respect. As we do so we will also speak out about those whom we believe do women more harm than good. It is important that we take part in our community and what is exposed to our children. It is our responsibility.
We will also only work alongside other organisations which are committed to promoting positive images and lifestyles for all people. Look out for them in the future.
For now, we encourage you to become aware of what’s around you… and speak up!
