The blog for this course will be focused on the video, titled "Start Seeing Diversity." This video will provide you with exceptional examples of anti-bias education ''in practice'' and the process that adults must undergo to implement it effectively, while also continuing to remind you of the focus of this course, identity development of young children.
In preparation for this blog discussion, view this week''s Start Seeing Diversity video sections on "Gender" and "Sexual Orientation." Additionally spend sometime reviewing two or three items from the following categories of media: Children''s books, cartoons, comic books, television shows and/or commercials, toys or games, toy stories, product packaging, video games, children songs/music and/or observing children on playgrounds or in early childhood settings. Then, thoughtfully consider messages a young child might glean. Also consider experiences you has as a child and have had as an adult related to homophobia and heterosexism. It may also be helpful to listen to the following optional resource found in this week''s learning resources to guide your thinking: NPR audio story "Two families grapple with sons''s gender identity: psychologists take radically different approaches in theraphy."
Share your response to at least two of the bullets below with your colleagues:
*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.
* 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.
* How you would respond to a parent family member who informed you they did not want anyone who is perceived (or self-reported) homosexual or transgender to be caring for educating, and/or interacting with their child.
*If you have ever used or heard homophobic terms such as "fag," "gay," "homo," "sissy," "tom boy," or "lesbo" as an insult by a child toward another child? Or, by an adult toward a child? Describe what occurred. How might these types of comments influence all children? (Note: if you have not had a personal experience, ask a family member, friend or colleague)
*Any other related situations, thoughts, concerns, questions, and/or areas of discomfort you would like to share related to children, gender, and sexual orientation.