My Mama Always Said...

It's true that many times when I have deep thoughts they run closer to Jack Handy. However, this issue of retailers and what is offered to our children is really taking up a lot of my brain space. I weighed in yesterday about what is offered to our little girls in stores. Today I just want to quickly add that it's not just our girls that are being bombarded with inappropriate choices.

Although both of my children own t-shirts, they are my son's primary source of bodily cover. I hate shopping for t-shirts. The t-shirts I see these days are covered with inane and disrespectful pictures and writing. (Jules' post about some t-shirts she saw started this whole discussion.)

"For Sale: One Sister. Cheap."
"I'm Not Listening."
"Who Cares?"
"Too bad you're not me."

If you're 21 and you want to wear these, I can't stop you. Fine. Whatever. When I see anyone under 21 wearing these t-shirts I just cringe. The implied disrespect is there regardless of how well-behaved the child. The bad attitude is there regardless of the perfect angel he or she really is. I just don't see the point. There are other choices. I'm fine with skater dudes on t-shirts. I'm fine with camo. I'm great with stripes. Hawaiian? Oh yeah. Animals? Bring 'em on. Quit with the attitude already. You don't think I'm going to get that soon enough? Thanks, but no thanks.

By the way, on a related but different note, Shannon is discussing the Moms for Modesty Mission Statement over at her site. Lively, civil discussion. I haven't weighed in yet because I'm still trying to get my thoughts together.

What do you think of this: Stupid is as stupid does.

That's all I have to say 'bout that.

Updated to add: I have to say I have laughed at some of the t-shirts I've seen on the racks. I admit it freely. I do have a sense of humor, after all. However, that does not mean they are appropriate for my child to wear. I happen to love the pink bunny and his irreverence. He says what I'm feeling many times (as evidenced in a previous post). Under no circumstances would I ever allow my children to wear something with the pink bunny. That goes for the other asinine t-shirts as well. Just because it makes me laugh doesn't mean I'm going to buy it and let my child wear it. And a lot of them don't even make me laugh.