‘Cuties’ Isn’t the Problem — Society Is

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I’ve seen article after article after social media post about canceling Netflix due to the release of French film ‘Cuties’ (‘Mignnonnes’) on their platform.

Based on the Netflix synopsis, ‘Cuties’ is a coming-of-age film, which follows the story of an 11-year old girl as she deals with the differences between her Senegalese family’s conservative Muslim traditions while living in liberal France. This is explored through her joining a dance crew with girls of a similar age and causes conflict in her family.

The controversy is around whether or not this coming of age film promotes or condemns the over-sexualisation of young girls.

This is happening right around the time that Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s song ‘WAP’ is currently trending everywhere.

I gravely fear how I will raise daughters if and when I am blessed to be the mother to girls. In today’s society, it is a fine balancing act between protecting children and teenagers from what they see on social media and in the world around them and what they are socially pressured into doing, watching and hearing in order not to be ostracised by their peers.