Start seeing Diversity Video” Blog: Gender, Gender identity,
and Sexual Orientation
Some of the ways you notice that homophobia and heterosexism
permeate the world of young children includes books, movies, toys, stores,
culture of early childhood centers, and schools. I believe the child’s
environment dictates more of the homophobia that what the world does. When
children go into the stores the toys are arranged in a certain order. The boys
toys are altogether and the girls are separate. We as parents sometimes do not
think outside the box and think this is just for the girls and this is only for
the boys. The video “Start Seeing
Diversity Video” Blog: Gender Identity, and Sexual Orientation. I thought about
how little boys and girls can view various toys. Children honor what they see
and are taught. I think a child can play with any toy and not necessarily be
label as taking on another sexual characteristic. Early childhood centers should have a wide
range of toys for all genders. Children should be able to relate to all toys if
that is their chose.
How would you respond 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 let the parent know that the center or facility is an equal opportunity
employer and that would be considered discrimination. I would explain they
could take it to the next chain of command if they were not pleased with the
information given by me.
Course Media: "Start Seeing Diversity: Gender"
Course Media: "Start Seeing Diversity: Sexual
Orientation"
I have enjoyed reading your blog and you are absolutely correct with you speak about how toys are arranged separately for boys and girls. While my granddaughter is very "girly," she also has a football and she enjoys watching football games. I know when I worked at the daycare, we had little boys who played as much as the girls in the kitchen area; they made delicious pretend food, too!
ReplyDeleteSince I live in a small rural area; we have not had any same-sex parents (at least that have been open to the community). Although this would be an area of discomfort to me; this family lifestyle would need to be depicted with books in a daycare setting where children of this lifestyle attended.
Thank you for your post because I needed an eye opener about my three year old son that love to play with his girls cousins dolls and how he say he want to be a princess. I find myself telling him that princess are girls and princes are boys. When I just need to relax and let my child explore playing.
ReplyDeleteThis past year I had the opportunity to work in a kindergarten classroom for a portion of my day. I was quickly reminded that toys are toys. I was able to witness girls playing with legos and being as creative as boys. I was able to see boys playing with a dollhouse and littlest pet shop items. I was reminded that toys are and always should be gender neutral. Your post reminded me of that fact.
ReplyDelete