1. Share 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.
Most children’s dramatic play accessories are very gender-specific, and geared to portray heterosexual relationships only. Traditional children’s books show girls playing with dolls and boys playing with balls or trucks. The mother is doing the domestic work, and dad is off at work. Movies and television programs portray the typical family as having a female mother and a male father.
This just isn’t an accurate portrayal of real life anymore. There are more and more racially blended families, same sex parents, and both parents work outside the home these days. It would behoove all aspects of the media to evolve along with society.
2. 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 point out that I base my teacher choices on education, experience, and how well the candidate interacts with children, parents, and staff - NOT on his or her sexual preference. I would also point out that everyone who works with children is required to pass a CORI, and that discriminatory hiring practices are illegal, period.
First and foremost, our job is to educate and mentor young children into being respectful citizens in our society. However the life we betray has nothing to do with how we educate them. Your right! It's all on television, books, magazines portraying same sex marriages. My job is not to judge but educate.
ReplyDeleteHi Ellen,
ReplyDeleteYou are right, it would be wonderful if media reflected our society more accurately. It is sad that so much of the diversity we find in our classrooms is not represented in what children are exposed to. I think it would make such a difference in helping children develop a positive identities if they saw themselves and their families represented and accepted.
It is so unfortunate that some people do not want their children taught by someone from the LGBT community; like you said, they should look at a teacher's qualifications, experiences, and characteristics rather than his/her sexuality. Great response, thanks for sharing!
Ellen,
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you, we are here to teach and educate children not to judge what a child's family background is. Although we promote family involvement we as educators must respect there choices and figure out the best interest for the children.