The other day, my friend told me a spooky story about buying a Halloween costume.

Her daughter wanted to be Katniss Everdeen, the skillful archer and powerful main character from the movie The Hunger Games. With much excitement, they hit the stores.

To their dismay, choices were limited to frilly pink, sequined blue, short skirts, tall boots, and feathery boas. How about a policewoman with jewelled handcuffs and a short skirt, in a provocative pose? Or a rock star outfit with a bustier and fishnet stockings? Many of the costumes were designed to objectify girls, even those being sold to 5- to 12-year-olds.