Week #2 response Prof M.

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.
May 29, 2009 3:16:00 PM PDT