Gauging Toddler Earlobes: Real or Hoax?

An article circulating online states that a new trend among parents is the gauging of toddler earlobes. The article includes several images as proof. Is this real or merely a hoax?

It’s Satire

Although the controversial practice of piercing babies’ ears has long been debated, the particular article being shared is a work of fiction published by the satirical website National Report. This article also cites another satirical website as its source.

In the article we read of this growing trend in Blythe, California:

The fad of “gauging out” youngster’s ears is an abhorrent violation of children’s rights. This act involves forcibly deforming your child through an ongoing series of torture sessions so they can eventually accommodate large, obnoxious plugs in their ears.

National Report

National Report has a disclaimer which clearly states that the website produces satirical content. The disclaimer – which has been removed on at least one occasion – reads:

*DISCLAIMER: National Report is a news and political satire web publication, which may or may not use real names, often in semi-real or mostly fictitious ways. All news articles contained within National Report are fiction, and presumably fake news. Any resemblance to the truth is purely coincidental . The views expressed by writers on this site are theirs alone and are not reflective of the fine journalistic and editorial integrity of National Report. Advice given is NOT to be construed as professional. If you are in need of professional help (and you may be if you are on this page), please consult a professional. National Report is intended for a mature audience and not for children under the age of 18.

Reddit

Just hours before the National Report satirical article appeared, a photo allegedly of a baby with gauged ears was posted on Reddit. This photo was used in the college of photos on the National Report article.

That photo was met with a lively discussion regarding its authenticity. It appears that the circle on the baby’s earlobe is merely part of a toy which is in front of the baby’s ear. Some readers found the parents’ Facebook pages and did not see the child with gauged ears in recent photos there.

Fake Piercing Photo

Another photo in the collage used in the National Report article shows a child in a red hat with “gauged” ears. That photo, however, has been found on several other website selling fake piercings.

Bottom Line

The National Report publishes satirical news reports. The article regarding gauging of toddlers ears in Blythe, California is a work of fiction. The photos used in the National Report article are taken from other sources and have nothing to do with a growing trend in Blythe, California.

Source

• Gauging Toddler’s Earlobes – Disturbing New Trend Emerges From Blythe, California (Manfred Peregrine, National Report: November 19, 2013)