On this "Pim-tervention" I'll be discussing something that has bothered me time and time again. This is an opinion piece, and I'm fully expecting to get some backlash, but a discussion about a pervasive topic can help to create a healthy debate.

Lets talk about inappropriate designs and language. 

Is it ok to wear revealing, inappropriate designs in chatrooms? Do we have a responsibility to protect children as best as we can here on Stardoll?

I know what you're thinking - freedom of speech, free reign over design, creativity, the power to choose what you wear and when you wear it. As a designer here on Stardoll, I completely understand that. I've been called out for a number of my designs, for a number of reasons. The Stardoll community is made up of such a diverse population with so many diverse backgrounds, opinions, colors, shapes, and sizes. We all have different beliefs and ideals, understanding of cultural nuances, and expectations.

However, today when I was in a chatroom, a doll came in wearing not much of anything, with StarDesign hair creations meant to enhance her chest and private regions. The look could only be described as something straight out of an adult-only club.

While I support a doll's choice to design their doll in any way they want to, the situation made me think about whether or not it's acceptable to wear things so revealing on a website like Stardoll, where there are minors, under the age of 18. 

Should children be exposed to something so mature at such a young age? 

Stardoll has purposefully created dolls that wear a built-in bra and underwear set. They have also created skin-tone underwear, and a series of more intricate and beautiful designs so that dolls can wear options that cover the private bits while still promoting whatever style they want. 

On other websites where the targeted age-range is older, I have no problem with users opting for revealing or nonexistent clothing options, however on this website, I feel that it is vital for us to at least hold a little decorum and protect the children who play this game just to have fun. If someone is wearing something inappropriate, they are risking being reported and potentially banned. 

I'm legitimately scared for the children who are being exposed not only to inappropriate designs, but inappropriate behavior and language. I've seen dolls find their way around the censors and use colorful language in front of a chatroom full of children. 

I know this is going to get some backlash. You might be thinking "Their parents should be monitoring what their children are being exposed to," or, "Why can't I act however I want to in public?" and you're not wrong. Parents should be monitoring what their children are participating in, and we should be allowed to dress and act the way we want to. That doesn't mean we have to be mean-spirited or create overly-mature content in front of children. This is a dress-up game embraced by teens. For teens. Maybe that's something that should always be kept in the back of our minds. 

This post is meant to touch on a delicate topic and get you thinking. I am in no way broadcasting my own ideals onto any other doll, but I feel it's important to discuss the issue in a respectable manner, especially among adults, while being exposed to the differing opinions that exist.

Think about it, and feel free to comment your opinion. Should we value children's protection over freedom of speech?