In my old life I was heavily involved in politics. Thankfully I’ve managed to escape and move on but I still like to keep an eye on what’s happening. Twitter is great for keeping in touch with what’s going on and there are some brilliant MPs from all parties who really understand the power of the medium.
Lib Dem MP Jo Swinson has been keeping followers up to date with her campaign with Girlguiding UK on improving girls’ body confidence and highlighting the unrealistic images that airbrushing can create. I’m a trainee leader with my local Brownies, so helping young girls to develop into confident, capable women is something I care a lot about.
I was stunned last night when Jo Swinson sent out the following tweet: “‘Maggie Goes On A Diet’ – deeply concerning. This book is aimed at girls from the age of *six*”.
It seems that a new children’s book aimed at girls between 6 and 12 is being released in October which features the story of Maggie, an overweight 14 year old who loses weight, becomes “normal” sized and ends up as the popular star of the school football team. I’m all for books that promote healthy lifestyles, encourage children to take part in sports and generally take care of themselves but I am chewing my own knuckles in frustration at the crassness and stupidity of this book’s message. It appears that the only way to have any self worth is to be skinny and pretty.
These days it’s tough being a little girl (or little boy). Books should be a source of education, fun, escapism and comfort. Kids don’t need something else in their lives to pressure them into becoming what someone else regards as normal.
I beg all parents, teachers, librarians and anyone else who may be buying a book for a girl in the target age group to treat Maggie Goes On A Diet with the contempt that it deserves.