I found this week's topics really interesting. Working in a diverse elementary school, I believe it is important that I am current and up to date on best practices when it comes to working with diverse families and children. I feel that this week's resources has really helped me do that. While focusing on gender identities and sexual orientation in early childhood, I can see how becoming a true anti-bias educator will help me serve all students and families better. There is much work to be done when it comes to improving society's views on gender roles and identity, as well as sexual orientation. But it starts with children because they are the future. If we can teach and show them by example what it means to be anti-bias and aware of the stereotypes and prejudices in this world, maybe one day they will be the generation that rids the country of it all.
I have noticed that homophobia and heterosexism permeate the world of young children through books, movies, toys, stores, culture of early childhood centers, and schools. For example, when watching commercials for toys, you never see a boy playing with dolls. It is always girls. Lego toys also show some heterosexism with their toys. They have created legos that are pink, purple and other pastel colors for girls with princesses. Suggesting that the girls should play with these legos because the original legos are for boys. I grew up playing with legos and cars because I had an older brother who had them. So when he grew out of his toys, he lets my sisters and I play with them. They happened to be as much for me as my barbies and dolls did. I didn't care what color they were. I also grew up watching Power Rangers and Teenage Mutant Ninja turtles with my sisters before school, which were meant to be for boys.
One of my sweet little girls in my kindergarten class has a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle backpack. At the beginning of the year, I mistakingly asked the boys one day who's backpack it was (because she left it on the floor). And then the little girl raised her hand and said "It's mine!" I giggled and told her, "Oh! That's cool! I used to watch this show when I was little too!" Then some of the boys said "That's a boy's backpack!" I really wish I would have taken this class earlier so I could have had a better discussion with my students like exhibited in the Seeing Diversity: Gender video and ask them why they thought that. But I did make it a point to tell the boys that I used to watch that show when I was younger and there is no reason why girls can't like it too. It makes me wonder where children learn these gender stereotypes.
In response to those who believe that early childhood centers should avoid the inclusion of books depicting gay or lesbian individuals such as same-sex partnered families, I would inform them that
using terms like "gay" as a put down is not fair for anyone (Start Seeing Diversity: Sexual Orientation). It makes people fear of being affectionate with friends. Also, if children of same sex parents attend a early childhood center, what is that telling that child? What is that doing to their identity? We must not hurt a child's identity by making them feel that their family is wrong or unwelcome. We must give children the positive message that everyone is safe and welcome in our facility. And honestly, if someone has a problem with that, I would show them the door. The same goes for parents/family members who do 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 remind them that homosexuality is NOT contagious nor will it hurt a child. I am interested in hearing other's responses to these scenarios as well.
I have enjoyed the media segments this week and it has really opened my eyes to how I can better serve the children and families in my care by making everyone feel welcome and appreciated no matter what gender or sexual orientation they are/have.
