Yes, we all have done (or worn) something in our past that we now find embarrassing. Thanks to our doting parents and the school yearbook committee, those moments are likely preserved for all eternity on film or disc. But does everyone have (or want) those embarrassing moments plastered online for the whole damn world to see? How would you like it if someone took nude pictures of yourself and posted them in cyberspace without your prior knowledge or consent? How would you feel knowing that your boss, your parents, your children's friends, your nosy neighbours, your co-workers, etc. had access to those pictures and gave you major hassles? When you angrily protest over this invasion of privacy, how would you respond to those who tell you that "It's not a big deal! There's nothing shameful about the human body. Our society is too uptight when it comes to nudity, anyways. Get over it!"?*

Again, the core issue here is not about whether it's OK for little boys to wear bikinis or the colour pink. All this discussion about society's taboos or why people aren't more tolerant about "alternative" anything is distracting from the main point. Here's what this situation boils down to (as I see it):

1. Hurley posted a potentially embarrassing photo of her son on the internet. Something went from private to public. I doubt her son realized the implication of that action.
2. Hurley used a boy to sell girls clothing when she could have easily used a girl model instead (or perhaps use no model at all...just show the product). The bikini was not being advertised as "unisex" so what was the point of that?


HOC, I believe it's unfair to compare the actions or reactions of ADULTS versus children. Adults can make informed decisions, they can give full consent AND they're more able to defend themselves when under attack for their choices. Children are much more vulnerable. All those pictures of Bowie, Izzard and whatshisfacefromAmerica'sNextTopModel are individuals who have consciously chosen to be seen in public and be photographed in their unique attire as ADULTS. For all I know, they might or might not be embarrassed by their fashion choices at the time but I think they're emotionally secure within themselves to deal with any flak. Expecting a five year old child to have the same maturity level as grown ups in the face of opposition (and to maintain that level until he reaches age eighteen) is quite a burden.

What Elizabeth Hurley did was thoughtless, disrespectful and stupid. She did not give any consideration to how her action could affect her son--now or in the future. It wasn't a smart move.


*I know that I'm making a general assumption that nudity would be cause for offence for you. I'm just trying to make a point here. Substitute whatever embarrassment that you would personally find mortifying and use that as an example.

Edited 1 time by madame duran Jul 5 07 10:50 AM.