Your response to those who believe that early childhood
centers should avoid the inclusion of books depicting gay or lesbian
individuals such as same-sex partnered families?
I feel as though times have changed tremendously in the last
30 years. So some things that were not acceptable in the library section is now
and should be acceptable. The world of same-sex partners is not something that
can be hidden. So instead of hiding the information and things that can come to
light as an education system I think we should not necessarily push the books
into children hands, but allow them to have the option of reading if they feel
free. It’s almost of the times of the Civil Rights movement, a lot of people
did not like the idea of integrated schools but it was inevitable. So instead
of being ignorant we must educate ourselves.
If you have ever used or heard homophobic terms as insults
by child to child or by an adult to a child. Describe what occurred. How might
these types of comments influence all children?
I have heard on the playgrounds Fourth grade boys teasing a
fourth grade for the way she dressed. They were saying she was a “tom boy”
because she always wore long shirts and boy shorts and basketball shoes. The teasing
of the boys hurt the little girls feelings, and you could tell in the weeks to
follow that she was trying to look more like a girl. These comments had
influenced the little girl to be more self conscious about her appearance. So therefore
she tried to change her appearance. No telling if the teasing of these little
boys will be a long lasting influence on her image or just a temporary affect.
