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The following was originally published February 1, 2008 at http://politicseconomyculchah.blogspot.com/2008/02/branding-young-girls.html I studiously avoid advertising, and also have a strong argumentative streak. As a result I'm sometimes apt to quarrel with those who decry how widespread is the commodification of sex (and especially the young female body). I should pay more attention; the [|BBC reports toda]y that Woolworths has withdrawn sales of its "Lolita" bed for youngsters.

Moreover, BBC reports that this isn't an isolated case:

"In 2005, WH Smiths came under fire for selling youngsters stationery bearing the Playboy bunny - a symbol of the pornography empire.

Prior to that Bhs decided to withdraw its Little Miss Naughty range of padded bras and knickers for pre-teen girls.

Argos, however, defended its range of underwear for girls as young as nine including G-strings and padded bras as products in demand among children."