Our two-faced zeal on sex and kids

I’ve not seen Bill Henson’s photographs, so I cannot express an opinion one Way or another … unlike far too many politicians from all parties. But … if we are going to protest against photographing young kids nude, shouldn’t we equally protest against exposing young kids to nude photos? Doesn’t it work both ways? So I wonder why we’re not whingeing that any young child can walk to the check-out counter of my neighbourhood so-called news agent, and be "smacked" in the face with Zoo Magazines and large-sized Zoo-posters not even pretending to be "art." Titillating "soft"-porn that the counter staff say they are REQUIRED to display at the counter by their parent organisation. That young kids are "forced" to observe as they buy their bus tickets and school supplies. I rail at the sexualisation of kids; it’s too much and way too early. Truly, our little children ARE sacred. That’s why I’m confounded by the seeming zeal at crucifying an artist while simultaneously ignoring the many other blatant ways we exploit our young people sexually. Judy Bamberger, CLA member, O’Connor ACT Canberra Times 30 May 08