Gender Pac Washington Thread

[Danielle La Belle]

Hi Girls:

Recent highlights from GPAC:

WASHINGTON (July 16, 2007) – Just when do children begin learning what is "right" for a boy or girl? A recent study conducted at Brigham Young University found that children at ages as early as 24 months are aware when actions veer away from traditionally masculine and feminine behaviors.



Toddlers in the study, co-authored by Ross Flom - Assistant Professor of Psychology at Brigham Young University, were shown video monitors of adults performing traditional gendered behavior (a woman applying nail polish and a man shaving) and nontraditional behavior (a woman putting on a tie and a man applying lipstick). The children spent more time watching the nontraditional gender behaviors, apparently recognizing that they are seeing something unfamiliar.



The study follows research from the University of Washington that found 18-month-olds were five times more hesitant to play with a toy after watching an adult express anger at someone else for playing with it. Researchers are calling children's use of adult cues like these to make choices about toys and play "emotional eavesdropping."



But what are the larger implications of these findings? Concealing interests and talents, and even hiding behind a welter of hairstyles, clothes and behaviors that children believe are expected of them, said Taneika Taylor, director of GenderPAC's Children As They Are program.



While the BYU study does not draw conclusions about any judgments that the toddlers may have associated with gender atypical behavior, it demonstrates that activities and behaviors of others are an important factor for children's "attention, perception, learning, and memory about gender stereotypes" from as early as 24 months.



This is an important finding because many researchers previously believed that children didn't begin to use gendered categories and stereotyping activities based on gender until the pre-school age.



"Even in infancy, children are absorbing messages from adults around them about what is acceptable behavior -- down to the toys they play with," said Taylor. "This means we have an extra responsibility as parents or educators to ensure children understand from as early as possible that all of their interests, skills, and talents are welcome, whether or not they are what's expected for boys or girls."



Children As They Are supports parents and educators in creating environments that are safe for all children. For more information, visit

http://www.gpac.org/cata


End of Quote

Hugs

Danielle Marie

[Virginia]

Ah Ha!!!!

Up jumps those words!! Repression, Suppression, Ignoring! Denying!

I also noticed the phrase that the "adult" acted angrily toward the child "playing with the wrong toy!"

Thus comes into play the statement that Neil Bortz uses that when accusations are made that homosexuality is a choice, his repartee is, "Oh? and when, at what exact point in your life, time, date, minute and second, did you exactly determine that you were heterosexual?"

It would be very interesting to see the results of a study where children were raised withOUT extra-sensory input relative to sexually related inhibitors!

Thanks for your thread, Danielle!

Love ya,

Virginia

[Danielle La Belle]

Hi Girls:

Gender Pac (GPAC) has been in the fore-front of gender studies and support for those that may not express themselves in a manner consistent with the general population. Men not acting masculine and woman not acting feminine if we can be so casual about the description.

GPAC provides and supports school programs that emphasize gender acceptance. Disregarding the individuals biological sex. Not all boys need to be football players (jocks) etc. There need not be a "standard" that we live up to as some think.

The current studies about children demonstrate how we are influenced by our immediate surroundings as young as 12 months of age. We learn how to behave and get rewarded for such behavior from our caretakers. If you think about it, this occurs around the globe. Children around the world begin to speak around age 2. This is universal human behavior. So too, children learn their cultural dress and behaviors at this time much in the same manner.

All of this leads to the simple understanding that this is our cultural development, in stages, that is accepted world-wide for all human kind. The specifics may change over time, (dress, style, etc), but, the programming force that represents our humanness is in place for the time being. Evolution may alter this to some extent in the future as it has already from recorded observable past experience.

When did I first know that I was different? Well, to be honest I cannot say with any certainty. Many like to say age 4 or 5. Well, I was not aware of my sexuality or my personality at age 4 or 5. I doubt seriously that anyone is as that is not the common programming of a human.

Our observable recognition of this is not until around age 10 - 11. Puberty is when that part of the brain goes to work defining our "tastes" and "differences." Until then, we are just trying to adjust to the world around us. This is perhaps why social scientists question our response to that all import question, "when did you know (?)."

We arbitrarily say age 4 or 5 because we first begin to acknowledge that there are male and female sexes. Until then, we are all just "kids." Pre-school or kindergarten is our first major experience with others that someone makes it clear that we are different on a social level. With the exception of course of having brothers and sisters at home and your parents making it clear that there is a difference that is to be respected.

Early school is a learning process for our socialization and indoctrination into the world around us.




Hugs

Danielle Marie

[Danielle La Belle]

Calling all parents and educators!

Where does your school stand on gender identity and expression?

Tell us about policies in your local school district for the GENIUS Index, a national endeavor for school safety, led by the Gender Public Advocacy Coalition. As our July 27th deadline approaches, we need your input. It's okay if you can't answer every question, but please share what information you can!

What is the GENIUS Index?

The GENIUS Index (Gender Equality National Index for Universities and Schools) tracks and evaluates college and public K-12 school district efforts to prohibit discrimination and promote awareness of gender identity and expression in their student non-discrimination and anti-harassment policies.


Why should I complete the 2007 GENIUS Survey?

Because as an educator, administrator or parent, you know that for schools to be effective, they must be safe for all students -- whether or not they fit expectations for masculinity or femininity. And changing school policies and practices is an important step. By participating in the data collection for the 2007 GENIUS Index you will be helping document the progress school districts across the country are making in incorporating insuring their classrooms are safe for all children and youth.

What is GenderPAC?

The Gender Public Advocacy Coalition is a human rights organization working to ensure that classrooms and communities are safe for all students – whether or not they fit expectations for masculinity or femininity.


end of Report

Hugs

Danielle Marie