Gothic Lolita Punk

Gothic Lolita was definitely an eye - opening read for me. The book explores different facets of artistic expression, all depicting the Japanese Style-Trend known as Gothic Lolita. The book itself is composed of the work of several different artists, mostly using Manga style artwork to depict "Gothic Lolita" artwork. The book was visually stimulating, yes, and some of the artwork was quite good - including the piece depicted on the cover, drawn by an artist named "Yoh." Despite its interesting visual ideas, I found this book to be deeply disturbing, and the idea of showing it to young children is quite honestly, a little terrifying.
Now let me get it straight here. I am an incredibly open minded person. For the most part, I am laid back, easy going, and non judgemental of those around me. The Japanese phenomenon of Gothic Lolita, however, dumbfounded me - and not in a good way. The style is essentially based in making (mostly young) women appear like girlish dolls. The dress is mostly Victorian style and doll-like, with big hoop skirts, lots of lace and frills, and is usually accompanied with complicated hairstyles or extravagant hats, or both. The style is depicted similarly in the book, except even more exravagantly, with incredibly trim waistlines, and sexually suggestive facial expressions.
What bothers me mostly about this style (and the book,) is that Gothic Lolita, and the men and women who subscribe to its aesthetic, seem to be perversely desiring to be perceived as young, sweet, and innocent. Primarily young. The WikiHow entry on "How to be Gothic Lolita" includes tips that say things like, "Take steps to fit the feminine style; removing all hair on the legs, (tasteful) makeup, lipstick, and mascara will promote a more girlish appearance." and also, "Decorate your room/house in that way, bake/cook, have tea parties and cherish everything that is beautiful." The women (and occasionaly men,) who aspire to be "Gothic Lolita" are fetishizing something that belongs to children.
The Gothic Lolita style seems to be a demented way to a)sexualize young girls, and b)present women as objects. In turn, the book I read was an homage to the style, and therefore a perpetuation of the idolization of young, pure, innocent girls.