I remember the first time I saw a Jr troop (teens) perform topless in a stage production in the Bahama's. The dance was beautiful, but I was a little uncomfortable. We were with a couple from Argentina and their three young children. They thought nothing of it. I decided I must be backwards.
We can't allow sick minds to dictate our freedom of expression even though we believe its a little over the edge.
I am okay with this production even though I know its a very unpopular opinion. MOO
That's just it though, this video of the little girls is a prime example of "sick minds dictating our freedom of expression." Some sick minds decided that it was cool to have little girls dancing in attire and in a manner that appeals to some grown men in our society. It is adult sexuality that is being imposed on little children, not little children who are coming up with a routine and costuming from their own freedom of expression.
If grown women had put this together, and performed it, that's their perogative. I don't think anyone is talking about censorship of that kind of thing. Like the Pussycat Dools. It's not my kind of thing, but they are grown and they have the freedom to express themselves the way they choose.
But these are children who are being fed this and told to do it, taught to do it. They have no ability to discern what may be appropriate or not, exploitative or not - they're kids! That's what their parents and teachers are for.
I think you may be making a contextual ethics argument here, which I understand. For example, in some cultures, it's okay to be naked on the beach. I get that. Doesn't bother me. But I think that argument can be taken too far. If we use it to defend blatant child exploitation, which I feel this is, what's next? Some people argue that it's okay for a 35 year old to marry a 14 year old because that's how they do it in their country. Or it's okay to perform genital mutilation because it's just cultural. Can we say, "Well, kiddie *advertiser censored* is just freedom of expression. Our culture feels it's okay so it's okay!"? I don't think so. I think the line must be drawn at such an argument when it come to children and abuse of them. And I do feel this borders on abuse.
Here's a great post I was e-mailed which I think really sums up the whole issue of these poor kids and why many think it's just wrong!
http://jezebel.com/5541636/the-single-ladies-dance--the-crisis-of-girls-sexualization