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Sandra Bern talks about her own child-rearing practices and maintains that it is possible to raise “gender-neutral” children by ensuring that they develop gender- liberated thinking.
She argues the importance of raising “non-sexist,” or “gender-neutral” children in an effort to prompt social change. This of course raises the question of whether or not it is even possible to raise non-sexist children.
Is raising gender neutral children working?.... I believe it is possible but many factors can influence or sabotage the outcome. Outside sources such as school, neighbors as well as his or her friends are important factors. Ethnicity or other cultural influences can also affect the ability to parent a gender neutral child.
Why are people concerned about raising “gender-neutral” children?.... Equality.... I think that instead of focusing on raising “gender-neutral” children we should focus on raising “gender-appreciative” children. We know that there are distinct differences between men and women. There are some things that women are better at than men and vice versa. I don’t think there is a problem in recognizing those differences. The problem occurs when we think that one sex is more important or more competent than the other.
What negative issues could arrive from this way of parenting?
Although I agree with the equality issue, I am not very comfortable with anything that is taken to such extremes…. For example… The censorship and editing reading material just seems wrong. If a parent doesn’t like the books content don’t read it… But don’t insult the author by editing his or her work.
What Positive issues could arrive from this way of parenting? We would have children who are more excepting of each other. We would have teens with higher self-esteem. Another issue is sexuality… some believe that giving “Billy” a doll will make “Billy” gay. That is just ridiculous. If Billy was gay…. He was going to be gay...