Some of the ways you noticed that
homophobia and heterosexism permeate the world of young children including
books, movies, toys, stores, culture of early childhood centers, and
schools. What I have noticed is parents
are been more homophobia than the world as it relates to their children. Toys in the store are arranged separately the
way they are presented. Boy toys are all
lined up together and supposedly girl toys are all together. I also, noticed in the store that toys that
an individual might think a girl could play with such as certain type of
stuffed dolls. Instead are in with the
boy toys. This also, misleads parents to
believe this is the correct because the way things are displayed visually. As I viewed "Start Seeing Diversity
Video" Blog: Gender, Gender Identity, and Sexual Orientation” I realized
quickly displaying toys in a daycare center is important because if presented
as only boy or girls toys young children will grow up to believe they can only
be a doctor for example. Have conversations
with young children about their thoughts and beliefs are important to help get
them on the right track so that they want grow into stereotype thinking. I believe that culture of early childhood
centers also fall in the same categories preventing girls and boys from
choosing what they want to play with and interfering who they would like to
play with on the playground.
How you would 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. My
response to parents with these types of feelings is to explain to them that the
school district is an equal opportunity work place for all people regardless of
their race, religious beliefs, sex or gender.
I also, will invite them to read the district rules and policies and if
they have further question or request to please talk with the Superintendent of
Schools.
Tiffany,
ReplyDeleteOne of the things that I notice the most in regards to how children themselves feel about the marketing of “boy” and “girl” toys comes down to the color of the toy and its packaging. My experiences in the early learning classroom have revealed an overwhelming negative attitude towards boys who like the color pink. Several years ago, my class mascot decided that he absolutely loves the color pink. (My class mascot is a puppet named Deogee and he is well loved throughout the school ☺). This modelling of how boys can also like the color pink has been extremely helpful in giving some boys the confidence to speak up that they also like this color. Just an example of how influential our early learning environments can be in supporting our children’s diversity and their positive self-identity.
Sandra