Non gender-specific toys won’t start a feminist revolution, Conrad Liveris argues.
Children ought to be encouraged to pursue creativity and their own interests. This should be done free of stigma and bounds.
Larissa Waters’ campaign to encourage gender neutral toys and gifts over this Christmas is largely misguided.
Yes, these experiences can help shape our perceptions and cognitive learning. It is pulling a very long bow to suggest that children’s toys are somehow the start of domestic violence issues.
The idea that parents are somehow untrustworthy to make these decisions for their own children is misguided. Each of us have different needs and interests, the best part about children is that they are a raw and unashamed reflection of this.
I am a happy, healthy gay man. Growing up I played with trucks, trains, in the dirt and also I had my favourite teddy bears and dolls too.
Consistently, I call out sexism and discrimination. I often make a stand for gender equality.
It is easy to see why gender stereotypes can be the easy way out at this time of year. Retailers are dumbing down their marketing by having aisles and sections for boys and girls toys. It must suck to be a parent.
If we really do want more women in science and technology areas parents should be fostering this through a variety of means, including toys.
Growing up in a supportive and inclusive home where I was told I could be anything I wanted to be was fantastic. Like many of my peers, I did everything from sports to drama classes.
A rich and diverse childhood experience is what we need to support boys and girls into the future.
Challenging domestic violence does not start with children’s toys, it begins with the standards we set for them. What we consider decent and acceptable.
The vast majority of men will never commit violence against another woman. It is a small, but disgusting, part of our society.
While in the past year 16 women in Western Australia died at the hands of their partner, and a further over 46,000 calls were made to WA Police regarding domestic violence it is not what we buy our children for Christmas that can change that.
Increasingly, prominent men are being called to action to stand up against discrimination and violence against women. This is part of the solution.
Problems only exist in our community when we accept them. A community standard, not belittling parents, is where change can be made.
When I look to my friends with children I see young people that are active, excited and inclusive.
Not emerging monsters without social boundaries.
Conrad Liveris is an advocate, adviser and researcher on gender and generations.