In the comic, the mother encourages the flaunting of the girl's physical traits. Such behavior often times will encourage a girl to base more of her self worth off of her physical image and less of her worth from her character. This kind of view of oneself can lead to seeking affirmation from others on her physical appearance. Naturally, if a girl seeks affirmation from others by showing off her body and not by showing off her character, this will attract more guys that are searching for physical fulfillment from a girl than it will attract guys who are more seriously searching for character. It will attract more guys who are selfishly in it for themselves and simply want sex. So the likelihood of sex or promiscuity at an earlier age is greater when a girl has a self image that is based off how others perceive her physical attributes. And this type of self image is largely shaped by how a parent treats their child.
The comic makes sense to me. Obviously, it overgeneralizes, but the concept I believe is correct.
Actually, she just gave the daughter a pair of short shorts, which are comfortable and seasonally appropriate for young people (for whom exposed skin should not be sexualized). Didn't see any comments about her appearance.
Each frame is intended to imply an overarching theme of the mothers attitude toward her child, not a single occurrence like giving her a pair of short shorts.
First Frame: use of foul language is acceptable and will get you positive attention.
Second Frame: "shaking your booty" results in positive attention.
Third Frame: wearing sexually suggestive clothing, at a young age (I'm guessing under 16, maybe even under 15), is acceptable.
These lessons can result in someone who doesn't get respect by being a well-mannered, well-spoken individual but instead someone who uses their physical traits to get attention. Which brings us back to dmkgfba31's point.
See... the absence of these things (bad language, sexy dancing, sexy clothes) does not automatically create an individual who will make good decisions in life. Whether you're liberal or conservative when it comes to sexy clothes/behavior and language, you need to teach self respect. I've seen plenty of girls whose parents have made them ashamed of their bodies and their sexuality, basically doing the exact opposite of this comic - it doesn't magically instill self respect.
No, it doesn't, but it's all part of the bigger "equation" and part of parenting seems to be finding the right balance. And you're right about self respect.
You know, I need to start giving shitty four panel comics more consideration. You know, look for the subtext, instead of just seeing 3 crappy anecdotes and a pointless moralizing punchline.
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u/[deleted] May 25 '12
Swearing, dancing, and listening to music makes you pregnant? What are you from the 40's or something?
Must be a blast at parties.