Thursday, May 28, 2009
Prof. M's Eureka Moment Week #2
Everyone did nicely for an opening post and comment on the class blog. Our individual blogs are now up and running. My Eureka moments come from beginning to be conscious of the little things that I take for granted everyday. My daughter is three years old and attends daycare. The toys in the classroom are played by both the boys and girls regardless if our society has placed the title of a "girl toy" or "boy toy" on them. My daugher loves playing with the dinosaurs and the computer games like Diego. She will pick up a puzzle that is about trucks and cars. She plays with the dolls and the supermarket too, but, doesn't limit herself to "girl toys". She sees the fun in all toys. I have noticed some little boys playing with the girls in the supermarket or puppet theater. There are no gender expectations put on these children. The children have free time in the morning and afternoon and are free to play with whatever toys they choose. What is these expectations weren't defined for children later on by their parents, teachers, televisions shows? Would more females explore current male dominatd professions and vice versa? And, how would relaxing these expectations change so much of our current gender communication? Would men express emotions differently than they do now? Would more women seek out leadership opportunities? Or, be more assertive in situations? Hmmmmm...........
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2 comments:
Professor,
Years ago I worked in a daycare and we had a dress up time where the toddlers could play with clothes brought in by different parents. One little boy, whose mom was single, kept putting on high heel shoes and dresses. Well his mom also happened to work there so when she saw him she came running in and told him not to do that. I felt so bad for the little boy and I wished the mom could see he was only copying the one role model he had. She asked us not to let him do that anymore. Fast forward 10 years later and I have 2 sons of my own (4 and 3). We were shoe shopping over the weekend and my youngest picked out a pair of pink crocs he wanted. My moment of truth- I wanted to let him get them sooooo bad- but I had to tell him no. His father and grandfather would have never let me hear the end of it. He would have been stared at in public and other parents would have asked me why. Why do we do this?? What harm could come of pink shoes?? I realized the power of society at that moment, and I would have much rather have been just a mom.
Hi Prof M,
I can completely relate to your post! I have twin 3 year old toddlers, a son and a daughter. It is very interesting to watch the interaction between them and the toys they choose to play with. I do not stop my daughter or son from playing with gender specific toys; I just don’t feel it is the right thing to do. In an earlier blog I even mentioned that I will put nail polish on my son. My husband however feels like the kids should only play with gender specific toys and frowns when I allow my son to cross the line in his eyes. Just yesterday my mother brought my daughter a boat load of hello kitty jewelry and my son was standing right in line to get his fair share. He spent the day walking around with clips in his hair and clip on earrings. Although I have not stopped him I have thought…will this make it gay? Then I thought I was being ridiculous.
I think if gender expectations were not defined for children they would without a doubt engage in opposite gender professions, education, and activities. Relaxing these gender norms would change the way we operate as a society and maybe create more of a balance between male and female gender roles. Think back decades ago when the gender role for females was to stay at home and take care of the house and children while the man went out to earn a living. Now in today’s day most woman earn a living, take care of the house and kids.
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