Seeing Diversity

 

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.