Gender Stereotyping

Playtime gender quarrel turned around

It has come to my attention that my son isn’t being treated fairly by his “friends.” Apparently certain activities and games aren’t boy friendly.

“You can’t do that, only girls can,” said anonymous girl.

When I heard that I couldn’t contain myself. Something inside me flipped and I just told her that don’t tell him that. He can do anything you do regardless of being a boy. After confronting her she just stared at me and went on to a different activity.

I couldn’t believe that a child so young and free to be happy could think that another child because he is a boy can’t do something because he is a boy. How did she get such a naive thought into her head?

I started to think about the parents raising the child and what they might be telling her. It is apparent to me that something has been said to her to make her believe that girls do this and boys do that. There is no middle ground between the two. This whole idea isn’t right and this little girl is going to grow up thinking that she can’t do anything because she is some helpless woman, and she’ll need to rely on a man.

I don’t want my son to grow up thinking that he can’t do something because he is a boy. He can do whatever he wants whether it is “suppose to be” for girls or not. As long as he is happy, that is all that matters.

If he becomes interested in sports he can go into sports. If he becomes interested in music then music it is. If he becomes a cheerleader, dance team member or color guard member so be it. It is his life, his choice and his interests. Why would be want to be the ones judging him and being the bullies?

No matter what he chooses in life they’re ultimately his decision and we will support him along the way. We will love him regardless. You go boy!

Blog by Melissa Chandler