from: Chris
This picture of my niece, Inira features one of the many playsets which form children into their predetermined molds of socialization: a mini kitchen. Women in society (today much less than in previous generations) are taught that one of the key attributes of a successful woman is the ability to cook a good meal for her family, so girls are encouraged to feel comfortable in the kitchen from an early age. Young Inira is smiling, even posing for the picture, and if it were the child's parent or guardian taking the picture, the viewer can easily imagine a smile on the photographer's face as well. Now although she is imitating the traditional socialization of a young girl, Inira's parents realize the harm this type of conditioning can do, and they give her other "boy's" toys to play with as well. Regrettably, she still wants to be a princess for Halloween this year.
I must say, thank goodness the playset isn't pink. Perhaps this way it will appeal to young boys and parents can give it to their sons; I firmly believe that all functional people, no matter their gender should be able to cook for themselves or their family.
2 comments:
Chris, I enjoyed this pictures. I have a daughter, 11, and now a son, 3. My daughter got a kitchen for christmas and played with it until she was WAY to old. She loved "cooking" and "serving" her family and friends. If I would have kept the kitchen I'm sure my son would have done the same thing. He got a vacumn for christmas when he was 18 months and loves vacumning with dad. He follows both us around when we clean. He loves to help cook, as much as my daughter did and does. she didn't get bitten by the cleaning bug like he did. He has a kitchen at daycare, it is yellow I might add, but all the boys love playing restruant with the girls. They all love the baby dolls and pushing strollers. but they also love the cars and blocks. I am fortunate that our sitter as well as my family provide equal "gender" toys. My kids enjoy the doll house that my husband played with. Is he less of a man? Is my son less of a boy because they played with or play with these toys? is my daughter a tomboy for enjoying legos, matchbox cars and marbles....? No to all of them. I believe we have a very gender rounded family and we enjoy it.
Update: Inira is now going to be a Fairy Doctor for halloween. I presume that is a fairy who takes care of the health and wellness of other fairies. Inira is very gender flexible; I'm proud of my niece, and also proud of my sister for raising her that way. Another interesting point is that she was imitating her father in the kitchen instead of her mother.
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