"Prostitots"

No, I didn't misspell it. It is a new word, coined by a woman in California who has observed the behavior of preteen and teen girls who are trying to emulate the antics of young female celebrities. (Source: Kathleen Devey, with Raina Kelly, "The Girls Gone Wild Effect," Newsweek, February 12, 2007) In manufacturing the word, the woman is describing young girls whose immodest dress, luxurious tastes, and unbridled behavior are pushing past the previous limits of acceptable behavior.

The impact on society is just the latest one in a long line of celebrity misbehavior. Back in the 1960's the Beatles and other groups encouraged rebellion against the "system." The 1970's followed with the motto, "Do your own thing." Then came the 1980's, with Madonna and others flooding the airwaves and video screens with much more explicit lyrics and images. The 1990's just brought more of the same.

Now, those brought through those generations are parents and grandparents. Where the movements of the 60's, 70's, and 80's affected primarily the older teens and young adults, the present case of celebrity worship and misbehavior is affecting smaller children.

Why? 3 reasons: 1) The parents and grandparents have been desensitized by a society that has become increasingly accepting of outrageous behavior. Thus, they are allowing more and more to occur in the lives of their children and grandchildren. 2) In a "free" society, we have loosened the controls of what is said, done, and published, and we are awash in filth. 3) The things being done are not new--they have always been practiced by a fringe of society. However,with mass media, virtually anyone (including young children) can be affected by something that once was observed by only a few.

In addressing the situation, prayer is certainly and always appropriate. Pray for little children and their parents. Pray that worldly influence may be overcome by the light of the word of God and the lordship of Jesus. Parents of young children, be careful in your own dress and behavior. Further, be cautious in your reading and viewing material.

I hope you will read the Newsweek article mentioned above. I hope you will be shocked by the behavior described. Even more, I hope you will be moved to action, even if the least you do is pray about it.