Melissa Project: Messages Society Sends Young Girls [10 Pics]

Young girls grow up so fast these days. I remember when I was a young girl I was exposed to some things that required me to mature quickly, and in 2012, there’s even more pressure to act like an adult early and handle adult situations at a young age. About a week ago, I saw a little girl who couldn’t have been more than five years old who was dressed very sexy. She acted like she was three times her age. I just looked at her and stared because it seemed so strange to me.

Here in the States there is even a television show that is called Toddlers & Tiaras. It a show that highlights toddlers who wear makeup, spray tan and fake hair in hopes of winning beauty contests. Jessica Maria Manley, who is a senior at the School of Visual Arts in NYC, created this uncomfortably disturbing photo collection which features her younger sister, Melissa.

Jessica wants to raise awareness about the damaging messages we send to young girls, many times without even realizing it. This photography is truly incredible and thought provoking. You can learn more about Jessica on Kickstarter where she is raising money for her project, and you can view more of her collection of photographs on her portfolio page on her school’s website.

Via: [Flavorwire]