Some
of the ways you noticed that homophobia and heterosexism permeate the
world of young children including books, movies, toys, stores, culture
of early childhood centers, and schools
In response to this question, I have seen that heterosexism and homophobia affect the culture and world of young children in early childhood centers and schools by not including/ showcasing homosexual culture in the classroom. Today people are so focused on diversity, but seem to neglect the diversity of different sexual orientations. Because teachers do not discuss homosexuality to their students, children can make judgments and biases towards those that are homosexual and not heterosexual. In addition, in movies, books, and stories children oftentimes only see heterosexual couples. For instance, all of the Disney princesses have male love interests/ a price charming. Lastly, toys are gender-based. On television commercials certain toys are targeted towards a specific gender. In a girls toy commercial a girl is typically wearing light pastel colors and the toys they are playing with are often pink, purple, or yellow--these toys give stereotypes about how girls should be homemakers, a mother, and a nurturer. As for boy toy commercials, these commercials depict boys to be loud, active, and masculine.
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?
In response to someone saying that early childhood centers should avoid books that depict gay individuals, I would mention how it is important to expose children to different types of families that exist, as this will only help them socially. In addition, I would mention that if they have an issue with this they should talk to the school director or principal, as our school policy accepts and embraces diversity and all types of differences we may have. Unfortunately, it is nothing we can do, as this is the policy; if the parents choose to they can accept these terms, try to change the policy, or change schools.
