Gender Stereotypes

Happy Friday! Do you have any plans for Father's Day this weekend? Frankly its going to be stupid hot this weekend so I am going to want to do nothing but hide in air conditioned spaces, but unfortunately, I have to work and we have errands and a Father's Day BBQ on Sunday with Adam's family planned, so I will have to brave the elements.

Lately, many parents have been speaking out about the way toys are gendered and pushing stereotypes onto our children. I agree, its ridiculous and its high time to let go of this crap.

I am not saying there are no differences between males and females. We know that there are and many are biologically based. But there are also lots of misconceptions about 'maleness' and 'femaleness' that are due to our very antiquated gender stereotypes, and unfortunately, these are still being shoved down our children's throats.

But kids aren't the only ones who face this crap. Adults do too. Believe me, I see it often among my clients who experience shame because they do not believe they live up to what they have been told is the ideal for a man or woman. Ugh, such bullshit!

After all, gender can no longer be thought of as binary anyways!

These gender stereotypes always rear their heads around holidays like Mother's Day and Father's Day. Just take a look at any gift giving guide for them. The past few weeks everywhere you look are ads suggesting you buy dad:

Golf clubs
BBQ accessories
Tools
Alcohol
Meat
Car wash products

I can tell you right now, none of these things would be useful or appropriate gifts for most of the men I know, and certainly not for my husband. Adam would much prefer chocolate to alcohol, and, in fact, the only thing he ever wants for Father's Day is a Blizzard from Dairy Queen (with lots of chocolate in it). I'd be much more likely to appreciate craft beer then he would be!
Ugh, this stuff drives me nuts, when are we going to let go of this stupid shit?

Anyways, go have a nice weekend and don't forget to buy the dads you know a gift. Maybe some flowers? A box of chocolates? Or maybe a pink tutu, if that is what he wants!

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