Friday, May 18, 2012

Gender, Gender Identity, and sexual Orientation

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.

2 comments:

  1. 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.

    Also - 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

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  2. 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."

    If 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.

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