By Margot Del Rio
In recent years, a disconcerting trend has emerged, reflecting a societal obsession with a specific aesthetic: resembling a little girl. This phenomenon, often associated with the "Lolita" subculture, raises concerns about the potential implications on social norms and the well-being of individuals. We can investigate this pervasive obsession's root causes and consequences by examining credible sources and evidence.
The Lolita aesthetic, inspired by the novel Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov, has evolved into a subculture characterized by clothing and styles reminiscent of Victorian and Rococo fashion. Harmful aspects of this novel's popularity within this realm of preference emphasize the destructive nature of gender cliches as the girl named "Lolita" emulates the ultimate ideals of a French literature professor's perfect woman. He is called Humbert Humbert and comes from England to stay at the residence where 12-year-old Dolores resides. He instantly admires her despite the drastic age gap; through the film adaptation published in 1997, she is pictured submitting to what Humbert Humbert desires within his psyche as he is the unreliable narrator who also fits the title of a predator. Though some inspiration for this aesthetic has derived from the existence of this novel and film, many may find satisfaction in clothing themselves with something that appropriately defines uniqueness.
Correlation with the coquette aesthetic, "the woman who flirts" augments the embodiment of the idyllic and feminine essence with a spectrum of incorporations concerning clothing. Examples include knit stockings, lace blouses, and hues of light pink, white, and red ribbons. However, this aesthetic has taken a concerning turn as individuals, primarily women, seek to embody young girls' innocence and childlike charm.
The media plays a significant role in sculpting societal ideals, and portraying childlike innocence as attractive has become increasingly prevalent. From fashion magazines to social media influencers, the normalization of this aesthetic can influence individuals to conform to societal expectations.
The rise of social media platforms has intensified the pressure to conform to beauty standards. Individuals, especially young women, may feel compelled to emulate the Lolita aesthetic to gain social approval and recognition. Constantly exposing curated images on social media can create unrealistic beauty ideals, perpetuating the obsession with looking like a youthful girl.
Such an aesthetic raises ethical questions about the objectification and sexualization of individuals who embrace this style. Through The Daily Targum, concerns have been raised regarding possible exploitation and the erasing of boundaries between children and maturity. The article crafted by Natasha Marshall touches on the vital ingredient to controversy on this topic, the "infantilization of women." (Marshall, 2023) Exemplification of maintaining a feminine, innocent, and petite appearance is evident in romanticization regarding the coquette preference.
As embodied by the Lolita aesthetic, the obsession with looking like a little girl is a multifaceted issue with psychological, media-driven, and social components. While individuals have the right to express themselves through fashion and aesthetics, it is crucial to consider the broader implications on mental health, societal norms, and ethical boundaries. By fostering open conversations and promoting diverse representations of beauty, we can work towards a society that values authenticity and individuality without perpetuating harmful obsessions.
References
Marshall, N. (2023, October 25). The Daily Targum. The Daily Targum.
Mina Le. (2023, September 6). Why is everyone dressing like a little girl? [Video]. YouTube.
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