Gender, Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation

 

 

When observing books, cartoons, toys, and other tools associated with young children today, it is my opinion that these things show how homophobia and heterosexism permeate the world of young children. As I watched some popular television shows with my own children, I couldn't help but notice just how sexist the world really is. Likewise, I realized that I too have become a part of the problem without even knowing it. I noticed that the female characters did things like pick flowers, help the mom wash dishes, play with dolls, etc. On the other hand, the male characters played sports, rode bikes, and helped the dad fix things around the house. We teach our children early that there are certain things that boys do and certain things that girls do. While reading a book about colors to my children, I found myself being guilty of promoting sexism. I asked my daughter what her favorite color is. I immediately asked if pink or purple were here favorites, and I asked my son if blue or green were his. I thought about topics that we have been discussing in class and corrected myself. I told them that they could like any colors that they chose. As a result of the things that I am learning, I think I am going to be conscious in discussions and interactions with my children and other children.

 

 

Sadly, I know a lady who often tells her grandson that he is going to be gay because he is such a "mama's boy." This makes the boy sad, but I don't think that he fully understands what she is saying or what she means. I always get upset when I hear her say that. I have told her that she shouldn't say those things to him. I don't think she is intentionally trying to hurt him, but that is exactly what she does every time she says it. I can just see it in his face. I think that things like this can have a negative effect on all children. We should allow children to grow up and be who they want to be instead of what we want them to be. This might be hard for many to accept, but we have to learn to accept people for who they are.