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One of Lindsey Lohan’s first major films in 2004 was “Mean Girls”.  In it there was a scene where one of the main character’s pre-pubescent little sister is dancing in front of the television imitating a pop star in a music video. Booty shorts and all, the little girl tries her very best to get the strokes of her non-existent hips right and her mosquito bites of breast pushed up to look like the video vixen.

She’s a far cry from the days when little girls played dress up to look like ladies.

The media has given us so many what-the-hell-is-this-world-coming-to moments in the few years. Especially with the influx of celebrity sex tapes, we’ve been able to view absolute untalented buffoons grow into mega stars. It’s no wonder why young girls would rather be like Draya Michele than Michelle Obama.

“Black girls are not seeing positive images of who they are and what they can be,” said Carolyn West, associate professor of psychology and the study of prevention of violence at the University of Washington. “Looking at the sexual imagery really impacts on the functioning of teenage girls. It sets the foundation for future victimization and causes teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases,” she added.

People are a product of their environment, think about how you and your friends were raised. If your children are surrounded by positive images, a variety of interesting careers and attainable goals there’s no limit to what they’ll choose to do.

In the past we were taught that lawyers, doctors, teachers and preachers were four solid careers, but there are so many interesting jobs that are specific to your child’s interests. There’s nothing wrong with becoming a model, but knowing your worth beyond a pretty face allows a window of opportunity to come in. Go to the library with them, find after school art programs, etiquette classes, expose your child to as much as your resources can accommodate.

Ask family members and friends in different cities about opportunities and events going on that can open up their mind. If exposed to a plethora of interests, being in some rappers video will seem less intriguing.

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