The Joe Camel of early adolescent sexuality

"Victoria's Secret contends that its younger line, with accompanying stuffed-dog mascot, was designed for the college set. But the Chicago Tribune recently explored Pink's appeal among 'tweeners' -- the newly created (and lucrative) consumer market that falls in early adolescence. Are "extreme low-rise v-string" panties the gateway drug to peekaboo thongs and push-up bustiers, or are they something even more disturbing? Regardless of what Victoria's Secret considers its target audience, the Pink line just may be the Joe Camel of early adolescent sexuality -- an adult industry using childlike imagery to drum up interest."
(Feb. 17, 2006, Fae Goodman, Alternet)