Now, I have to admit this is a massive bug of mine. I don't know how nowadays people can still be sexist! I think it's just so shallow, completely immature and very ignorant.When I say this, I tend to use an example, I'm not going to use the boring one of the woman being in the kitchen making sandwiches (which by the way is so boring and pointless). But I will use the one that I have recently experienced in my life.
On Saturday I took my little man shopping and was in the new early learning centre just browsing - mainly for outdoor toys so that he can play in the garden with suitable stuff. However, I was looking at outdoor stuff and freds went straight for the dolls and prams.
Now I'm very laid back and cool about many things and I was at this. He picked up a doll, kissed and hugged it going 'ahhh' - (which was unbelievably cute btw). It was rather lovely to see a kid show something so much affection, only to my disappointment that Chris was like 'put it down it's a girls toy', I have to say I was quite annoyed by the comment, not only cos it was my husband but because of the bluntness and negative look and tone about it. Obviously me being me snapped it right up and gave the doll back and he was carrying it around the shop talking to it. now I bet a few people who may possibly read this may think 'wow, that's weird.. a boy liking a doll..' but why is it? Why do people feel the need to label toys? They are just objects that children play and create scenarios with.. A man is allowed to be a house husband and look after the children, whilst mum works. So why can't a boy push a pushchair round and pretend to feed bottles to a doll? It really angers me, genuinely.
It worries me that my son is growing up in a world where he's told to do and like a certain thing. Like he has to play with police cars and motorbikes etc. I mean he doesn't just play with dolls, he has dumpster trucks that he plays with lots and a tent and tunnels, but because he chooses to hold a doll that somehow makes it wrong? A child should freely express what they want to play with, and actually by doing that you're encouraging them to play and explore as much as possible, but also develop a wide knowledge. So why do people look at me weirdly because i'm standing at a checkout with a doll in my hand and a boy in my arms? because they have a sexist view and are judging. I suppose it's not their fault, because of the way we were brought up, but it proves how narrow-minded people really are. I also worry about him going to nursery and school where I no longer will be able to completely take notice of what he picks up from other people. I have a massive understanding to and for the parents who find it hard to let essentially their babies go. As a parent it's really difficult to try and balance, but also understand that they are their own people and at the end of the day, they have to have a chance to go alone. Although for the moment in time I can help him, steer him as best I can and well, always be there to do it.
This world just isn't suitable for our young ones, not really. too much nastiness going on. But yes, I hate that sexism is still going in the 21st Century... but will it honestly ever shift? Who knows. But not under my roof, that's for sure.
