Baggage Check: Halloween's Eye Candy

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Dr. Andrea Bonior dives into the world of psychology.

IT'S HALLOWEEN AGAIN, and so it's time for the mini-skirted PussyCat doll doppelgangers, French maids, "sexy cheerleaders," "naughty nurses" and bosom-baring princesses to commence prowling the streets. And those are just the kindergarteners!

Ever since someone realized that there was a ton of money to be made by opening Halloween revelry to adults, we have seen an increasing sexualization of the holiday, most especially for women. It's become virtually impossible to find a female costume -- on a store rack or walking around at a party -- that wouldn't make your grandmother blush.

Certainly, what goes on in some bar with fanged bouncers and an extra steep cover charge is one thing. But check any children's costume catalog or party store and you'll see clearly that these trends have trickled down to the trick-or-treat set. Frankly, it's become the most frightening part of the holiday.

I've talked here before about the growing sexualization of young girls and the significant and negative psychological effects of teaching children that their bodies are something to be objectified and commodified. The implications of this are serious, and the damage very real.

But year to year, it only seems to be getting worse. Just this once, can't we be fine with lollipops, Milky Ways, Skittles and candy corn -- and stop making females the candy?

Talk back to Dr. Andrea by leaving a comment below. To ask a question for Baggage Check in the Express print edition, e-mail baggage@readexpress.com or submit an anonymous question here.