What I noticed about child entertainment and homophobia and heterosexism
What I noticed in the way of children toys regarding heterosexism is the dolls. The girls get doll and for boys they are called action figures. The “girl dolls” are very fancy with fluffy clothing that is brightly colored, high heel shoes, and lots of accessories. The “boy action figures” are bulky, lots of muscles, weapons, and are darker colors. In the world of children books I did not notice too much heterosexism in the books for young children. As the children get closer to the toddler ages I noticed a change. The boy characters were very active and were more adventurous. I did notice in some of the girl centered books they made the girls less feminine. The girl characters were tougher, more adventurous, and were more in charge.
My response to those who believe that early childhood centers should avoid the inclusion of books depicting gay or lesbian individuals such as same-sex partnered families-
I understand that many teachers do not want to include books depicting gay or lesbian families. It is a hard subject to discuss and many don’t want to deal with the questions that may arise from children or parents. Centers also don’t want to offend heterosexual families either. But what has to be looked at is that in not offending heterosexual families’ same-sex families are being left out and ignored. They are not being treated as equal; they are not even being recognized. So my response to early childhood centers who avoid books depicting same-sex partnered families is that they are not teaching anti-biased education or tolerance.
My response to a parent/family member who informed you they did not want anyone who is perceived (or self-reported) homosexual or transgender to be caring for, educating, and/or interacting with their child
I would have to ask “why”. I would ask them what they are afraid of. Are they worried that it might “rub off” onto their child? Then calmly discuss with them that homosexuals or transgender are still individuals who care for children and want what is best for child. Their sexual orientation or preferences has no legitimate impact on their ability to care for or educate children. I would encourage the parent to go and check out the center and see how the caretakers interact with the children, as well as talk to other parents and get their feedback.
I have heard children call others names such as “fag, gay, sissy, etc.” The situation where children were calling another “sissy” was during recess when one child did not want to do what the peer group asked him to do. They were taunting him to go up and take a toy away from another child and the first child refused. The peer group called him a sissy and excluded him from the group. This type of name calling impacts all children in that they are afraid. They are afraid of being excluded from the group and being labeled. I have also heard parents call their children “sissy” when the get hurt and cry and the parents feel it is unnecessary. This tells the child that they are not allowed to get hurt and feel ashamed when they do.
