Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 6/24/83; site dicomed.UUCP
Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!mgnetp!dicomed!boylan
From: boylan@dicomed.UUCP (Chris Boylan)
Newsgroups: net.kids
Subject: Re: Non-Sexist Upbringing
Message-ID: <173@dicomed.UUCP>
Date: Sat, 19-May-84 23:51:15 EDT
Article-I.D.: dicomed.173
Posted: Sat May 19 23:51:15 1984
Date-Received: Mon, 21-May-84 03:50:24 EDT
References: <4337@utcsrgv.UUCP>
Organization: DICOMED Corp., Minneapolis
Lines: 31

{not needed}

  If you are interested in non-sexist upbringing, perhaps you should
read "Growing Up Free" by Letty Cotter Pobegrin. I read the book several      
years ago (although I have no children) and found it both enjoyable and thought provoking. (It is also well referenced).  
  The book deals with many of the issues suggested in the article by
Dave Mason (pink vs blue, genderless names) as well as nonsexist-toys
and books,etc.
  Personally I am not sure that concealing the child's sex is the way to solve 
the problem, although I do agree that the societal expectations of male vs
female behavior begin early.  From my own experience (as achild not a parent)
the most influential factors were things such as parental attitude, (toys 
play style,encouragement,discipline,etc.), school (especially sexist
language in textbooks), and television (advertising and lack of good role
models). Of course I am tracing backwards to pinpoint the origin of my own 
sex-role stereotypes.  
  I think it is correct to say that the only hope for real equality 
between the sexes exists for our children.  It is so difficult to 
"un-learn" behavior that has been reinforced for your entire life.
And many of the sex-role expectations are so subtle!  However, I think
the most important theing is how the children percieve themselves
and their abilities and choces, and not necessarily how they are 
seen by society.


		- Kristin Boylan

-- 
	Chris Boylan
	{mgnetp | ihnp4 | uwvax}!dicomed!boylan