Shoe Company's High Heels For Babies Spark Controversy
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — An American footwear company has sparked disapproval on social media over high heeled shoes for babies.
Pee Wee Pumps says babies will be the "belle of the ball" in the shoes.
But the BBC reports people are criticizing the company amid a growing concern at what is seen as the sexualization of children.
#CYBERMONDAY STARTS NOW!
— Pee Wee Pumps (@PeeWeePumps) November 26, 2016
All Styles of #PeeWeePumps
On #SALE 14.99https://t.co/gehyfTQrNB#CyberMondayDeals #ShopSmall #BabyHighHeels pic.twitter.com/JrJCTlmAjI
Company founder Michele Holbrook says the shoes are intended as a photo prop only and meant to be "funny and cute."
In a post this week on the company's Facebook page, an infant in heels sits on a miniature motorbike with the caption: "This little #Diva, defining cool posing in her #PeeWeePumps."
The image was criticized by a number of the site's users, who suggested it was "wrong" and "disgusting" to portray babies in such a way.
"This is not ok," wrote Melissa Balinski.
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