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
I noticed that all toys, games,
movies, clothes, books focus on gender bias and heterosexism to keep people
from moving outside their assigned gender roles. A Barbie doll is awaiting a
baby girl before she is even born and a toy truck is the perfect toy for a baby
boy. Almost everywhere we go and even in classrooms, we still see posters of male
firefighters and policemen, and we rarely see books that represent different
family structures other than the traditional one which represents: The father,
mother, and the children which conveys a message to children “this is what is
right” (Derman-Sparks
& Edwards, 2010). Media, cultural beliefs, religion, and institutions
all send messages to children that heterosexism represents the normal of both
gender identity and it is a privilege because people do not feel to hide their
sexual orientation. I feel that our role as teachers is to bring awareness
about the different family structures and to teach them to respect and to
remove homophobia and stereotypes from children’s minds.
Your 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
In response to those people that
believe that early childhood centers should avoid exposing children to books
that display gay and lesbian or same sex partners, is not considered as best
practice. We need to teach our children to focus on the facts and not the stereotypes
about same sex partners and that they should be treated with dignity and
respect. Stereotypes about these types of these types of families should be
removed and as teachers we have the responsibility to work on eliminating
homophobias from the classrooms and make them a place that respects diversity
and all people who are part of the society no matter what sexual orientation,
race, religion, or ability they have.
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
I would respond to a parent that
would have any concerns in regards to not having a homosexual or transgender
caring for his child, First, I will actively listen to their concerns and show
them that I understand their feelings and worries. At the same time, I will try
to explain to parents that teachers are hired based on their qualifications and
years of experiences and not based on their sexual orientation, religion, or
race. I will also share with them about the importance of teaching children
about diversity and to respect others even if they are different than us.
If you have ever used or heard
homophobic terms such as "fag," "gay," "homo,"
"sissy," "tom boy," or "lesbo" as an insult by a child
toward another child? Or,by an adult toward a child? Describe what occurred.
How might these types of comments influence all children? (Note:
if you have not had a personal experience, ask a family member, friend, or
colleague)
Last year my daughter cut her
hair very short. When she went to school, she got surprised that two boys from
her class told her that she looks ”lesbian” with her new haircut. My daughter
got really sad and she came home and started crying and blaming me for letting
her cut her hair short. I calmed her down and I told her that your friends are
trying to personally discourage you and that looking like a lesbian is not a
bad thing and it was a great opportunity for me to teach her about the
importance of not to stereotype people based on their physical looks and that
we should focus on the facts and not the perceptions about homosexuals.
Resources:
Derman-Sparks, L., & Olsen Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, DC: NAEYC.
Derman-Sparks, L., & Olsen Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, DC: NAEYC.
Your example about a mother expecting a child receiving a barbie for a baby girl or a truck for a baby boy was a great example! I have faced this very often lately with my husband and I expecting our baby boy in the next 4 weeks. I have even had to discuss the issue of homophobia with my husband. I had a student of mine give me a little praying precious moments angel doll for the baby. I showed my husband and he responded with a comment about our baby boy did not need a doll. I had to explain to him that just because he was a boy did not mean he could not have a baby doll and further, just because he is a boy with a doll does not mean his sexual orientation will be impacted.
ReplyDeleteAlso - I am sorry your daughter had to encounter such a situation as she did! Yet, it is a reminder of how much words can hurt! I am so glad you took the opportunity to talk to your daughter about stereotypes instead of just telling her to ignore their comments like a lot of people would do!
Amy
I agree when you mention "I would respond to a parent that would have any concerns in regards to not having a homosexual or transgender caring for his child, First, I will actively listen to their concerns and show them that I understand their feelings and worries. At the same time, I will try to explain to parents that teachers are hired based on their qualifications and years of experiences and not based on their sexual orientation, religion, or race. I will also share with them about the importance of teaching children about diversity and to respect others even if they are different than us."
ReplyDeleteIf we are learning how to work with bias in classroom, centers and communities, I certainly think that we are highly qualify to make parents understand that sexual orientations have nothing to be with the teacher work performance.