Society
establishes our roles of how girls and boys are expected to behave and how they
should act. They introduce specific
roles that are usually associated to their biological sex. Boys are often associated with more masculine
roles such as playing with trucks and getting down and dirty. Girls are often linked to more feminine
roles such as playing with dolls, cooking and cleaning. Young children are very
impressionable whatever is presented or imparted upon them they absorb. Children are influenced by those close around
them as well as by the media, toys, movies and book all play a part in defining
their roles. For instance in the movies
girls are often seen in roles as princess where they are all dolled up with tiaras,
pink gowns and jewelry and boys as super heroes, protecting, fighting and
exhibiting extraordinary strength. I
feel that the main goal of early childhood centers are to provide each children
with a safe and loving environment that
promotes optimal learning. I feel that the center should reflect the
diversity that is found within its community.
Learning about diversity can decrease prejudice
and prepare children to live in a multicultural society. It can reduce
stereotyping and misconceptions, and can help others develop a more accepting
viewpoint.
I have often heard young
children use those “homophobic” terms.
Children brains are like sponges as I previously stated. I feel that they don’t often understand what
they truly mean but have heard someone else use it. I think this can have a devastating impact
on children if they don’t have the support, protection, love and guidance that
they all need. If they are receiving
this same kind of negative feedback at home this can further impact their
future negatively. I feel that if the
parents and teachers work together productively they can help diminish the
effects that homophobic name calling may have incur on individuals effected.
