Rosalind Wiseman

Yesterday while strolling around a DC suburb I spotted a tween wearing a T-Shirt that read “Queen Bitch.” Who would purchase this public display of absolute inappropriateness for their daughter? I made a mental note to self, “find Queen Bitch shirt and blog.”

I have to admit, there are plenty of trendy teen slang tees that I find slightly amusing. Some that make me laugh have resulted in my students being sent home or having to sport an always fashionable PE shirt for the day. I concur that they are parental battle choices and sometimes not worth it. However, this one crosses the line and is joining Bratz, Barbie, Makeover Birthday Parties, and NYC Prep in the ranks of my coveted “Things that Make My Job Difficult” list.

When I did an Internet search I found several culprits– David and Goliath, Zazzle, Zambooie and Cafe Press–whose entire lines consist of tongue-in-cheek slang-wear. This particular shirt is from the “Little Loser” line, which includes a host of stereotypically illustrated and sexually suggestive tees that make Miss Bitch look angelic. A few of the noteworthy slogans designed and marketed for teens include Mr. Well-Hung, Mr. Douchebag, Mr. Masturbate, Mr. Meathead, Mr. Antisocial, Miss Anorexic, Mr. Stoner, Miss Slut, Miss Floozy, Mr. Pimp, and my personal non-favorite – Miss Boob Job. This conundrum is, in my opinion, when adults have to take a stand and simply not purchase degrading clothing and talk to teens about the innuendos, messages, and stereotypes portrayed.

Although it is summer, have no fear readers. I have already printed the shirt images and will take them to school in the fall – my students will write advocacy letters to David and Goliath. Writing letters to the media gives teens the opportunity to process, articulate, and express how they truly feel about popular culture and mainstream media. Also, when you allow them to take a few days and do it without the fear of peer judgement, the outcome is sometimes eye-opening. Over the years my students have written heartfelt letters to the Gap, Bravo Television, Abercrombie & Fitch, Dove, and Tyra Banks. The last two aforementioned were positive letters expressing gratitude for making a difference. As I always say, the media isn’t going anywhere.

Each day presents a new opportunity for me to roll my eyes and think, “what next?” Usually this occurs in the supermarket line where I am purchasing US Weekly, too embarrassed to have a subscription in fear of judgement from my mail carrier. I challenge the adults reading this to talk to the kids in your life about the media industry. Challenge stereotypes, sexism, racism, classism, homophobia, and ageism. Especially what comes from your own home – whether it be from your television, your magazine subscriptions, the Internet, or your dinner table.

P.S. – Don’t rush to buy Miss Boob Job – it’s out of stock.
P.P.S. – When I purchase trashy celebrity gossip it is solely for educational purposes. I promise.