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Boys Have Feelings Too
As a mom, I’m always on the lookout for cool notebooks and journals for my son, especially since he loves to write. A little while back, I was in a boutique bookstore near Columbia University during a work trip to New York City. I found this adorable notebook with an owl on it in the adult section that I knew he’d totally dig. However, when I ventured downstairs to the children’s section, all I could find were sparkly pink and purple diaries that I knew he wouldn’t want to touch with a ten-foot pole.
It’s frustrating that pink and glitter are automatically labeled as “girl stuff,” thanks to the marketing that’s already influenced my son’s perceptions. When he was three, pink was his jam, and my husband and I were all for it. We even made him a birthday cake with a pink Brachiosaurus! But fast forward to kindergarten, and when I reminded him of that cake while he hesitated to wear a pink Polo shirt, he burst into tears, insisting, “That’s not true!”
The message is clear: those diaries I saw were designed for girls who are encouraged to express their feelings. What does that say to boys when they see row after row of pink diaries? It sends an unspoken signal that writing down their feelings is a “girl thing.”
Recently, I heard that Target is ditching gender-based signage in certain areas like toys and bedding. This is a move in the right direction to break down those outdated marketing norms. I mean, girls can enjoy Legos and action figures, just like boys can write in diaries or play with dolls. The controversy around this change is ridiculous. Target isn’t forcing parents to buy Barbies for their sons; they’re actually offering more options. If a boy wants a My Little Pony, who cares?
As an adult, I can pick out a journal without worrying if it’s labeled for women. Whether I’m at a big retail store like Target or a quaint boutique, I can find a notebook that suits my tastes, and it definitely won’t be pink and sparkly. So why do we still let our kids fall prey to this pink-is-for-girls and blue-is-for-boys nonsense?
I want my son to know it’s perfectly fine to express his feelings, jot down his dreams, or vent his frustrations on paper. But how many pink journals will he encounter before he associates writing with being a girl? When will he feel pressured to conform to societal expectations rather than being true to himself?
It’s high time for companies that market to kids to reconsider the hidden messages their products send. No child should feel alienated or odd for choosing their own interests or toys.
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Summary
It’s essential to challenge the outdated notions surrounding gender-specific toys and activities, especially for boys. Marketing should encourage children to express themselves freely, without the constraints of traditional gender norms. By promoting a more inclusive environment, we can help our kids embrace their interests, whether it’s writing, playing with dolls, or any other activity they enjoy.