Stephanie Fowers
Aug 24, 2017 · 2 min read

Uh? You realize that “girl” things are just a social construct, right? What do they have to do with “gender” or sexuality? Pink was made a “girl” color in the 50’s when they wanted to sell more baby items (you have a boy after that and boom,you have to buy blue items). Men wore “skirts” in Rome and Scotland and still do in the Polynesian cultures, and “dresses” or “robes” were worn in Jerusalem and Palestine and everywhere really, and then the clergy did too. Lace and heels were worn by men first — see France and the rococo era. Hair length has always changed according to the culture. Makeup is fairly new invention. Nail polish, etc. Fashion and colors and materials and toys and “girl things” have nothing to do with sexuality or gender. At all. It is all culture (which always changes throughout history and is different between countries). To think otherwise is being uneducated. Children will always explore things in the world that interest them — they know nothing about culture. Parents can help their children to fit into the culture that they live in (for various practical reasons) or they can let them flounder OR they can even assign motivations (that aren’t true) as to why their child has various interests. To the parents of this child? Your kid is just like every other kid — lots of interest and no knowledge of culture. But the parents? Nah, you’re not like every other parent. Usually parents take it upon themselves to teach the kid how to get on in the world that they live in and THEN when their child is old enough to understand what the consequences of going against the culture means (i.e.: when they are a functioning adult), then that offspring has the choice to do so, fully aware of those who might stereotype him/her for doing so and being strong in self to know that others opinions do not change who she/ he is and to avoid predators, and also being mature enough to decide if they want to channel those interests to fit the culture or not; and or even have the smarts to change the culture and start new fashion trends.

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    Stephanie Fowers

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