Skyla and Spencer

From: Destyni
     Toys come in all shapes, sizes, designs and colors. But do they come in genders? Things like building blocks, craft supplies, crayons and markers do not, because they’re classified as gender-neutral. However, other toys such as G.I. Joe, My Little Pony and Polly Pocket do, because they’re labeled gender-specific to either boys or girls. Because these types of toys are geared towards a certain gender, those kids are encouraged to use them. As stated in the ““Two Cultures” of childhood” article, children rarely play with toys that are targeted for the opposite sex, this of course is talking about most children but not all of them. My two youngest cousins both shown in my photograph (ages 2 and 8) are excellent examples of two kids who don’t stick to that stereotype.
     My cousin Skyla is 8 years old and her favorite things are slime, dancing and superheroes. My cousin Spencer who is 2 loves his stuffed animals, which depending on their size he calls “mommy” or “baby”, toy cars and Littlest Pet Shop. They’re siblings and often play with each other’s toys and for the most part see them as just toys. In the picture you can see how excited Spencer is to be playing with the miniature animals and that Skyla is happy as well. Neither of those reactions had to be staged, it was a genuine happiness from both kids, just from playing with the Littlest Pet Shop pets. These small toys are technically Skyla’s and she likes to keep all of them in Star Wars box pictured in the middle of them, the multibillion-dollar franchise is another thing they have in common. I did this to show their mutual points in different places and subjects. In the background you’ll see that all the doors are kept open, this is to show that they have freedom to make their own choices in what they do and do not want. They are two kids who are open and free to express themselves in what they like to wear, play with, watch and listen to
      Another point in the “Two Cultures” piece I want to bring up is the topic of boys being more aggressive than girls. Don’t let Spencer’s innocent face and smile fool you, once his older sister brought out her Littlest Pet Shops he snatched them right away! Skyla tried to compromise with him that they’d trade animals every few minutes, but he refused and even smacked her hand away. Until he was bribed with a starburst.