We are living in a world that is becoming more aware of the dangers our children are facing, specifically our little girls. As theories of child sex trafficking and inappropriate dolls circulate like wildfire, nothing is safe. Now, a Netflix film is coming under fire for allegedly objectifying and “sexualizing” young girls with their new flick, Cuties.
The film surrounds a young girl show name is Amy. Amy is a Senegalese Muslim with extremely conservative parents. She then joins a secret dance group of fellow young girls, rebelling against her parents and their values. However, the girls dance routines are described as “free-spirited” and are seen by some as “sexualized.”
According to Heavy, one of the biggest problems people have with this movie is the rating that it was given. The movie has a rating of TV-MA, which means that it is not meant to be seen by people under the age of 17.
This took people by surprise because the movie is about 11-year-old girls, which has led people to believe that it is inappropriate and objectifying children for “adult entertainment.”
A petition has been placed on Change to have the film removed from Netflix. As of August 20th, the petition has more than 28,000 signatures. The creator of the petition says that this film will have negative influences on our children, and that this is not appropriate content for adults to be watching. “There is no excuse, this is dangerous content!”
Some may say that this is an over-exaggerated response to something due to all the theories and discussion going on right now when it comes to #saveourchildren. However, moms are clearly not happy that this is happening, and they want the movie removed immediately. It seems like Cuties has joined the same ranks as shows like Toddlers & Tiaras, which has come under fire multiple times for sexualizing young children in a show geared for older audiences.
Some have also accused Netflix of promoting stereotypes in the film about the Muslim community. A comment was left on the petition that pointed out the film helps to promote the negative stereotypes about the Muslim community.
While it seems the public outcry about this film is loud and clear, Netflix has not responded.