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From: fsks@unc.UUCP (Frank Silbermann)
Newsgroups: net.kids
Subject: Re: How do I get my 6 yr old to practice piano
Message-ID: <29@unc.unc.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 18-Sep-85 11:42:09 EDT
Article-I.D.: unc.29
Posted: Wed Sep 18 11:42:09 1985
Date-Received: Fri, 20-Sep-85 06:05:13 EDT
References: <2578@pegasus.UUCP> <190@gargoyle.UUCP>
Reply-To: fsks@unc.UUCP (Frank Silbermann)
Organization: CS Dept, U. of N. Carolina, Chapel Hill
Lines: 34
Summary: 

In article <190@gargoyle.UUCP> carnes@gargoyle.UUCP (Richard Carnes) writes:
>
>A problem that boys sometimes have is that their peers regard playing
>an instrument as a "sissy" activity, unless it is a "male" instrument
>like the trombone.  This may not be as much of a problem as formerly,
>but I'm sure there are some fathers out there who are afraid their
>boy will turn into a faggot if he plays violin instead of football.

I don't think these fathers are afraid their sons will become homosexual.
They fear that even if their sons develop a heterosexual orientation,
that they won't be "manly" enough in other ways.

>I was the first male flutist that my high school band had ever had,
>and some of the guys regarded me as something of a freak and probably
>questioned my sexual orientation (in spite of the fact that nearly
>all top professional flutists have been male).

We had two male flutists (flautists?) in my high school band.
One was a homosexual; the other switched to trombone in the 10th grade.
Though most top professional flutists are male, these fathers still
question whether most professional flutists are sufficiently macho
to serve as desired role models for their sons.

>This is another area where you can help your child, if he is afraid
>of being labeled a sissy (or if your girl wants to play the trumpet),
>just as you would help a child who was afraid of being labeled a nerd
>if he studied hard and got good grades.

How can you help such a child, other than by moving to a neighborhood
that shares your values?  If a child grows up without the respect and
approval of his peers, he may never have opportunity to develop his
leadership skills.  This can hurt him no matter what career he chooses.

	Frank Silbermann


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