Booty Pops

A friend and psychologist colleague of mine, Dr. Millie Funderburk, was recently interviewed for a story on Booty Pops.  I have to admit, when she first told me about it I didn’t know what they were – shows you how out of it I am!  But as I read about it, I was fascinated by the trend, and even more intrigued by her thoughtful responses.

I encourage you to read the article on KUSA-TV Denver featuring Dr. Funderburk here.  But as a re-cap, she had this to say about Booty Pops:

“I think that it’s neat that we have different representations of bodies.” I agree.  It’s wonderful to see a wider range of body types celebrated (and in this case emulated).  Perhaps down the road, it will allow more women to be able to embrace their unique shapes and sizes.

“…while the girls may just be trying to look like the girl in the magazine, they could instead be asking for unwanted attention.” She wondered, “And are they aware of it – what they are attracting?” Such an important point.  Are young girls thinking through the consequences of showcasing their bodies (and their augmentations) in this way?  Whose eyes are they hoping to catch?

“This is what your body should look like, so if it doesn’t, buy our product and we’ll fix the flaw.” Wow.  How many times in a day are young girls and women bombarded with products, tips, and techniques aimed at this very thing?  Almost constantly.

So where does that leave us?

“…it is time for parents to engage in open conversations with their teens about body image, because the subliminal messages they are taking in now could follow them through life.”

“…parents should tell their children the path to real confidence starts on the inside.

“What we really try to encourage young women to do… is accept their body as it is, and focus on the function of their body, instead of the form.”

Couldn’t have said it any better myself – thanks Dr. Millie Funderburk!