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Boys Have Emotions Too
As a mom of a budding writer, I’m always on the hunt for the perfect notebooks and journals for my son. During a recent work trip to New York City, I stumbled into a charming boutique bookstore near Columbia University. I found an adorable notebook adorned with an owl in the adult section, which I knew would excite him. However, when I ventured downstairs to the children’s area, the only options available were pink and glittery diaries that I knew he would not appreciate.
It’s disappointing that pink and sparkles have become synonymous with girlhood. Unfortunately, marketing has influenced my child’s perception of colors and interests. When my son was three, he proudly declared pink as his favorite color. My husband and I wholeheartedly supported this. Even when he requested a birthday cake featuring a pink Brachiosaurus for his third birthday, we happily complied. However, when he started kindergarten and balked at wearing a pink Polo shirt, he burst into tears, insisting, “That’s not true.”
The truth is, the colorful diaries I saw in New York were targeted at girls, who are often encouraged to express their feelings openly. What message does this send to boys? It subtly suggests that journaling and emotional expression are activities reserved for girls.
Recently, Target made the commendable decision to remove gender-based signage in certain sections, such as toys and bedding. This corporate shift is a positive step toward dismantling the stereotypes associated with traditional marketing. Just as girls can enjoy Legos and action figures, boys should feel free to write in journals or play with dolls without fear of judgment.
The backlash against this change is bewildering. Target isn’t mandating that parents buy dolls for their sons; instead, they are expanding options. If a boy prefers a My Little Pony, Target won’t label it as a “girl toy” through its marketing.
As an adult, I don’t find it necessary to shop in a “women’s” section for a journal. Whether I’m at a large retailer like Target or a quaint specialty shop, I can find notebooks that suit my taste—none of which are pink and glittery. Why then, do we continue to impose these outdated notions of “pink for girls” and “blue for boys” on our children? Why do we accept it?
I want my son to know it’s perfectly normal to express his feelings and to document his dreams and frustrations. But how many pink journals will he encounter before he internalizes the belief that writing is a girl’s activity? When will he start conforming to society’s expectations rather than embracing his true self?
It’s high time that companies catering to children reconsider the hidden messages their products convey. No child should feel alienated or odd for their choice of toys or interests.
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In summary, it is crucial to foster an environment where boys can freely express their emotions and interests without being hindered by societal norms. By challenging outdated marketing tactics and encouraging emotional expression, we can create a more inclusive world for our children.