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.
Leslie I understand your statements on how you would get the parents to understand that being homosexual or transgender is nothing that will rub-off. I feel even though we may feel this way as educators we must respect the parents opinions and offer them options.
ReplyDeleteTonetta-your right we do have to respect parents opinions and feelings. I would never want to push a parent into something that was not comfortable for them.
DeleteI agree with you that girls toys are fancy dolls and boys toys are called action figures, I don't think there should be set toys depending on the gender of the child. Boys should learn how to take care of babies, someday they might be a father! and there is not reason that girls can't play with action figures or cars.
ReplyDeleteI would also agree that as an educator discussing families life styles or having books in your classroom that depict different life styles can be a sensitive and difficult subject. I feel that if I have children that are in my classroom that are exposed to different life styles at home they should be able to see their families modeled in books within the classroom, but the books shouldn't be forced on anyone.
Thank you for sharing--I had not considered the power of exclusion as it pertains to the other children in the classroom. I had only looked at the picture of the child who was doing the excluding and the child who was being excluded. As teachers we have to look at the whole picture and help all children understand that they should not be afraid and that they are not alone. All children have something to offer to the whole group and we need to help them value themselves as such.
ReplyDeleteLeslie, I have also observed the same regarding toys - the toys meant for females are quite "girly" in nature because of their lace, color, and general girl qualities, while the "boy" toys oftentimes use supplements such as guns and other weapons. I also wonder why some parents are quite against having their children in the same program as children who are from a gay or lesbian home.
ReplyDeletePackaging has a lot to do with how toys are sold. There is a 4 year old girl on you tube who also finds this unfair. Not all girls like pink and fluff and not all boys like a dark and rugged. Somewhere we have to find the balance for our children and let them choose what they want to play with. With young boy at recess were you able to talk with him later about the name calling as well as they other boys?
ReplyDeleteLaury-
DeleteI was able to discuss the situation about name calling with the boy. I commended him for not taking the toy and told him that he was the better person, even though it did not feel like it at the time. He smiled and said "yea I know, sucks doing the right thing sometimes".