What does it say that the top words used in advertising 'boys' toys are things like 'battle, power, heroes, ultimate & beat?' and for 'girls' toys, 'love, friendship, fun, magic, girl, style and snow?' :)
When Caleb was little we determined we would not buy him any toy guns. Still, he, like most little boys, learned to make a gun with his thumb and forefinger. We disallowed television shows we deemed 'violent,' making one exception when he was about 4 years old for the Power Rangers. Within five minutes after watching we found Caleb in his room wearing a football helmet and using a miniature Louisville Slugger as a sword to battle Squat or Baboo or whoever the villain was at the time.
I think that, to some extent 'boys will be boys' is a true maxim, and the opposite is true for girls. Whether she would ever want me to say this on the internet or not, it's the truth that Emily entertained herself for hours playing with dolls. Heck, she entertained herself an equal amount of time contributing to my balding by filling my hair with barrettes and ripping them out over and over and over again.
But, I do wonder how great a role parents, family, advertising and society in general play in reinforcing and encouraging gender stereotypes that may or may not naturally be that strong. I wonder if either list (boys or girls) is filled with the kinds of words I want used to teach my son or daughter or the students I work with what it means to be male or female. 'Style, perfect and nails' are no more appealing to me for reaching my daughter than 'battle, power and beat' are for reaching my son.
So, what words would be better? If I want my kids to be attracted to something or someone or some idea, what words would be best to use?
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