I think some of you are getting it wrong, because you're looking at this as though everyone was acting in isolation. I know, it's very ingrained into American (and European Moral) society to think that Eceryone Is Responsible, and that all that's needed is for Everyone To Be Good.

It's not like that. People, and especially young people, are bombarded by conflicting messages about what they need to do to fit in as a normal part of society. The loudest messages come through the ubiquitous direct and indirect advertising. this isn't just the TV commercials, the billboards, etc- it's also TV programs, pop and sports stars, "celebrities" etc. Product placement, sponsorships, product endorsement- and they all exist for one reason- to sell more to consumers.

The message is, buy the right stuff, do the roight diet, think the right things, and you'll be attractive to the partner you'd like, you'll look successful and acceptable (how many companies have "dress codes"?), hell, you could even become a seleb yourself. Don't conform, and you're sad, out of the loop, weird. This message is reinforced by massive peer pressure. Adults are by no means immune, but young people are pathetically vulnerable.

Kat's daughter's reaction is totally understandable- every adolescent is nervous about their attractiveness and acceptability, and the reaction of the sailors would have provided a welcome boost to her self- esteem.

I don't know the solution, except that it should involve educating yourself and any young people you are responsible for in the ways of our commercial consumer society, it's imperative to sell you things you neither need nor, really, want. Richard is right on this, even if his style is offputting to some of you. The flaw is in the fundamentals of a society that encourages irresponsible marketing, that sets out to reshape society for short term gain, while leaving others to pay the costs later.

It is far more dangerous child abuse than the old sod waving his willy at the kids in the playground.