Originally published in the Daily Telegraph

A “kink and BDSM-inspired” mural in the Sydney CBD of a “furry” leather-bondage man with a teddy bear head has been slammed for being “inappropriate” and “creepy” in a public space.

The painting, created on a Wynyard street wall by “YCK Laneways”, a consortium promoting local shops in nearby streets, is part of the WorldPride festival, but has been likened to the recent Balenciaga fashion house scandal linking adult sex themes to children.

Online reaction to the image, depicting an overweight man with bondage straps laying on a rainbow flag on a couch with a bear and the logo “YC Gay” was scathing, with some calling for it to be removed.

Grassroots campaigners Collective Shout spokeswoman Caitlin Roper said children should not be exposed to sexual fetishes, but that the mural would attract their attention because of the use of “appealing” teddy bear images.

“The widespread condemnation of Balenciaga for their BDSM-themed ads involving children demonstrates that many people strongly object to involving or exposing kids to this kind of content,” Ms Roper said.

“Kink and BDSM-themed imagery is not appropriate for the public space which includes children.

“The global research is clear – sexualising children by exposing them to adult, sexualised or pornographic imagery harms their physical and mental health, beliefs, attitudes and sexuality in a range of ways.”

“There are other ways to promote diversity and inclusivity that don’t involve adults imposing their sexual fetishes on an audience that includes children.”

Read more in the Daily Telegraph. 

UPDATE: Caitlin Roper quoted in Daily Tele piece on Oz Kink Fest

Caitlin Roper from grassroots Australian organisation Collective Shout, who campaign against the infiltration of pornography and harmful objectification into the mainstream, sees deep problems with the message that sexualised abuse is sexy and women should enjoy it.

“We're seeing the legitimisation of male violence against women under the guise of ‘kink’ and BDSM,” she says.

“I think it is being fuelled by the mainstreaming of violent porn… all of which paint degradation and sexualised violence against women as 'hot' and something women should want.”

She says LGB was previously about same sex attraction but has grown to the point where sexual preferences and fetishes have been added to that.

From 'Being a little kinky has gone a bit too far', Clarissa Bye, 2 March - only in the print newspaper

See also:

Balenciaga exploits children in BDSM-fetish themed ads

Objections to BDSM-themed kids show 'Battle Kitty': MTR in NY Post

LOL dolls in BDSM + fetish wear are more examples of 'corporate paedophilia'

Corporate Paedophilia: Clothing brand Caroline Bosmans sexualises kids for profit

Challenging limited and demeaning depictions of women

We all know that the media is powerful. But have you ever considered exactly how much influence the media has on how we view women today? In a society where media is the most persuasive force shaping cultural norms, the collective message that our young women and men overwhelmingly receive is that a woman’s value and power lie in her youth, beauty, and sexuality, and not in her capacity as a leader. How and why should we change this?

If you missed the first screening of Miss Representation in Sydney in September last year, don’t despair – we’re bringing it back for a return screening!

The film explores how the media’s misrepresentations of women have led to the under representation of women in positions of power and influence, and premiered at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival.

[UPDATE] Two tickets for the price of one for Collective Shout supporters

If you missed the first screening of Miss Representation in Sydney in September last year, don’t despair – we’re bringing it back for a return screening!

Sydney Event - Friday 19 October, 2012  9am – 5pm

Warning - this post contains some graphic images

After two years calling on City Beach to adopt corporate responsibility and withdraw their porn themed clothing range, Collective Shout recently held demonstrations outside two City Beach stores.