I have just finished reading an article about a new J Crew ad featuring a Mom, her 5 year old son, and some quality time involving pink nail polish. ( article here: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1376105/J-Crew-ad-featuring-year-old-boy-neon-pink-toenails-sparks-debate-gender-identity-children.html?printingPage=true ) You may have read similar rants in the past, but I feel the need to express myself once again on this issue.
Anyone who has children knows that they will like what they like and that they couldn't care one fig about social constructs such as "gender identity". They care about being able to spend quality time with their parents, and doing things their parents do. If the picture featured a girl working on a car with her Dad, I doubt anyone would have spoken up against it. There is nothing wrong with a girl liking cars, dirt or wanting to be President someday; by the same token there is nothing wrong with a boy liking dolls, nail polish or showing his emotions. I had hoped that we were past all that.
It frustrates and saddens me that this photograph is not seen as a celebration of the bond between parent and child in a day and age where parents spend more time out of the home working and kids have less quality time with them.
Growing up, I wore pants, played football, rode my bike and hiked in the woods. I enjoyed math and science, climbing trees, and lifting heavy things. I am not a lesbian, but if I was, it would not be because of those things. I have a husband who is loving, caring, and does the dishes, the laundry and takes care of our son while I work to bring in a second income. He is straight too. I'll tell you, I much prefer having a forward thinking husband than an emotionally constipated one. Why influencing sexual orientation even comes into question for a 5 year old is beyond me. When did we become a nation of Sigmund Freuds where everything comes down to sex?
I would like to point out for the record that we currently have women in just about every career position from small businesses to huge international corporations. Women exist in just about every level of government. Women wear pants, work on cars, provide for their families, vote, write books, research...the list goes on. Last I knew, there were no population issues in the United States. This photograph serves to illustrate the inequality of the larger picture- women have been able to take on many rolls that have been traditionally held by men, but men are not shown the same courtesy. Feminism at its core is not about women becoming more like men while men sit idly by and watch their identities erode; it is about the celebration of equality and the freedom to choose the paths that fit us best. It is about the transcendence beyond stereotypical "girl" and "boy" associations.
I think we could learn a lot from this little boy. We need to stop being inconsistent, to let go of all these little things that don't matter and learn to appreciate the things that do.
April 12, 2011
1500 likers giveaway- something special for the moms!
Growing up was not always easy and we weren't perfect but through ups and downs, trials, errors, missteps and milestones, we've always been there for each other. While we may not always have liked each other, there was never a question of love. I fondly remember her making my birthday cakes (because buying one was never as special as burning the edges and then transforming the "good" parts into something wonderful), hiding around corners and behind things to jump out at me; and the not-so-fond memories of being grounded and disciplined. Despite whether I agreed with the punishment, at least my mom cared enough to be concerned with what I was doing.
It's funny, but when I was growing up I used to think about becoming a mom in the very distant future. I never thought about whether or not the father of my child would be in the room, but I always knew my mom would have a place there. In 2009, when that daydream became a reality, I was fortunate enough to have them both with me, but my mom was my rock. She was the one I looked to for support and guidance while I was pushing, and she was the one who encouraged be when I wasn't sure if I could buckle down and bring my son into the world. It was a very personal moment and added another layer to the special bond that we share. It was a celebration of everything it means to be a mother, and the way I wish all daughters could experience childbirth. I wouldn't have traded it for the world, and I know she feels the same way.
Now that I'm a mom my perspectives have changed; I find myself mixing some of the elements my mom used with some of my own. Sometimes I feel like I live in a constant state of fear that something will happen to my son. Other times I'm just able to enjoy the moment and become a kid again myself. Between the snuggles, the kisses and hugs, the pouting and the occasional tear, my love has grown exponentially for my son. You never think you can love your child more than you do at any specific moment, but I can tell you that you can and you do. The love just keeps growing and growing, and your heart continually expands to hold it all. Heaven help the one who steals his heart when he's all grown up- Momma bear does not like to share!
So...enough about me and onto the giveaway! I've been at 1500 likers for a little bit now; thank you all so much! This giveaway is a special one for the moms out there. I only have a prototype picture, but the winner will receive a scroll pendant with the name of their choice and birthstone color Swarovski crystal accent! To enter, please comment with your first name, email address and something about Moms- whether it is a memory/story about your mom or about being a mom. Additional entries awarded for sharing this contest/my page via facebook or on your blog (1 entry each per day; please comment below with type of entry, name and email for extra entries to count; make sure you tag GossamerScapes on your facebook posts so I can see them) Winner will be drawn on April 24th! Thank you and good luck!
For those of you looking for Mother's Day gifts, I am currently having a sale this week on my decorative paper pendants! You can see them on facebook: Here. Enjoy!
Winner will be contacted via email and will have 72 hours to respond; if no response is received, another winner will be chosen. Entries open worldwide except where prohibited by law. Will ship worldwide except where prohibited by law.
It's funny, but when I was growing up I used to think about becoming a mom in the very distant future. I never thought about whether or not the father of my child would be in the room, but I always knew my mom would have a place there. In 2009, when that daydream became a reality, I was fortunate enough to have them both with me, but my mom was my rock. She was the one I looked to for support and guidance while I was pushing, and she was the one who encouraged be when I wasn't sure if I could buckle down and bring my son into the world. It was a very personal moment and added another layer to the special bond that we share. It was a celebration of everything it means to be a mother, and the way I wish all daughters could experience childbirth. I wouldn't have traded it for the world, and I know she feels the same way.
Now that I'm a mom my perspectives have changed; I find myself mixing some of the elements my mom used with some of my own. Sometimes I feel like I live in a constant state of fear that something will happen to my son. Other times I'm just able to enjoy the moment and become a kid again myself. Between the snuggles, the kisses and hugs, the pouting and the occasional tear, my love has grown exponentially for my son. You never think you can love your child more than you do at any specific moment, but I can tell you that you can and you do. The love just keeps growing and growing, and your heart continually expands to hold it all. Heaven help the one who steals his heart when he's all grown up- Momma bear does not like to share!
So...enough about me and onto the giveaway! I've been at 1500 likers for a little bit now; thank you all so much! This giveaway is a special one for the moms out there. I only have a prototype picture, but the winner will receive a scroll pendant with the name of their choice and birthstone color Swarovski crystal accent! To enter, please comment with your first name, email address and something about Moms- whether it is a memory/story about your mom or about being a mom. Additional entries awarded for sharing this contest/my page via facebook or on your blog (1 entry each per day; please comment below with type of entry, name and email for extra entries to count; make sure you tag GossamerScapes on your facebook posts so I can see them) Winner will be drawn on April 24th! Thank you and good luck!
For those of you looking for Mother's Day gifts, I am currently having a sale this week on my decorative paper pendants! You can see them on facebook: Here. Enjoy!
Winner will be contacted via email and will have 72 hours to respond; if no response is received, another winner will be chosen. Entries open worldwide except where prohibited by law. Will ship worldwide except where prohibited by law.
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