Comments on 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.
In my opinion, infants, toddlers, and preK children do not care or think much of heterosexual verses homosexual lifestyles. At that age they just see people as people. They know that all children must have adults in their lives to take care of them. The preK children in my program have never made any further comment (on their own) about books that that have two mommies or two daddies. I get the impression that they see it as just another family. They do, however, notice the absence of two parents and will ask “where is the mom” or “where is the dad” when there is only one parent mentioned in the story. I think this is a sign that these children are accepting of a culture with homosexual family members but not as ready to accept the idea that there is only one adult in a home. Overall, I see this as progress in our society. I live in a large city and realize that this may not be the case in other communities such as mountain areas, farm country, rural areas or perhaps in a place where Christian privilege is experienced. Preschoolers many have a different experiences throughout this country but I am proud to say we are making progress in this corner of the country.
In my opinion, infants, toddlers, and preK children do not care or think much of heterosexual verses homosexual lifestyles. At that age they just see people as people. They know that all children must have adults in their lives to take care of them. The preK children in my program have never made any further comment (on their own) about books that that have two mommies or two daddies. I get the impression that they see it as just another family. They do, however, notice the absence of two parents and will ask “where is the mom” or “where is the dad” when there is only one parent mentioned in the story. I think this is a sign that these children are accepting of a culture with homosexual family members but not as ready to accept the idea that there is only one adult in a home. Overall, I see this as progress in our society. I live in a large city and realize that this may not be the case in other communities such as mountain areas, farm country, rural areas or perhaps in a place where Christian privilege is experienced. Preschoolers many have a different experiences throughout this country but I am proud to say we are making progress in this corner of the country.
My response to those who believe that early childhood centers should avoid the inclusion of books depicting gay or lesbian individuals such as same-sex partnered families.
In my opinion, times are changing but we are not all the way there yet. But there are still those in our society that are deeply opposed to homosexuality and even think that homosexual couples should not raise children. The first thing I think of is how we would not be opposed to a mother and grandmother raising children in the same home. Or perhaps a grandfather and his adult son raising children as a single father would not seem inappropriate. So why can’t any two other adults raise children in the same home? Because these family compositions exist, these are family dynamics that young children should be made aware of. Awareness is one more step toward acceptance and respect for all people including homosexual partners raising children. Diversity means different not wrong. Excluding books that show examples of all types of people, cultures, and families should not have limitations in the classroom. We understand that people that are opposed to such books will seek out others who will take their side in the matter. Bilikopf (2009) states “People involved in conflict often enlist others to support their perspective and thus avoid trying to work matters out directly with the affected person…By finding someone who agrees with us, we falsely elevate that self-esteem.” While those opposed to books depicting gay and lesbian have a right to their opinion, they should understand the importance of awareness and respect for all people. For those who hide behind Christian principles, I would like to remind everyone that our first commandment is to LOVE (not judge).
Reference
Billikopf, G. (2009). Conflict management skills. Retrieved from http://nature.berkeley.edu/ucce50/ag-labor/7labor/13.htm
In my opinion, times are changing but we are not all the way there yet. But there are still those in our society that are deeply opposed to homosexuality and even think that homosexual couples should not raise children. The first thing I think of is how we would not be opposed to a mother and grandmother raising children in the same home. Or perhaps a grandfather and his adult son raising children as a single father would not seem inappropriate. So why can’t any two other adults raise children in the same home? Because these family compositions exist, these are family dynamics that young children should be made aware of. Awareness is one more step toward acceptance and respect for all people including homosexual partners raising children. Diversity means different not wrong. Excluding books that show examples of all types of people, cultures, and families should not have limitations in the classroom. We understand that people that are opposed to such books will seek out others who will take their side in the matter. Bilikopf (2009) states “People involved in conflict often enlist others to support their perspective and thus avoid trying to work matters out directly with the affected person…By finding someone who agrees with us, we falsely elevate that self-esteem.” While those opposed to books depicting gay and lesbian have a right to their opinion, they should understand the importance of awareness and respect for all people. For those who hide behind Christian principles, I would like to remind everyone that our first commandment is to LOVE (not judge).
Reference
Billikopf, G. (2009). Conflict management skills. Retrieved from http://nature.berkeley.edu/ucce50/ag-labor/7labor/13.htm