Even though the ideas in the reading were very offensive, I was not shocked. I have seen this first hand at work, church and in other situations.
Three Personal Experiences :
At my early childhood center, we had a talent show for the preschool children. One little girl would shake her hips in a very sensual way. The music teacher had to get her to calm it down. The girl was only four.
Another baby at my center always wears mid-drift bearing shirts and other outfits meant for young adults. The little girl is only 7 months old.
At a camp I worked out all the children were 7-9, on Thursday we always had a dance program. One night we had to pull apart two seven year old's that that were feverishly kissing in the corner
I think this can make children girls especially feel like they have to look and act a certain way to be considered cool.
I think as an educator one good way to respond to this situation is by first acting why the child feels like they should act this way. Then by showing them strong women who do not act this way.
My awareness has been heighten during this study and I now know better ways to protect the innocence of the children I work with.
Hailey,
ReplyDeleteLevin and Kilbourne (2009) discussed that children need to be able to talk with trusted adults about the relationships and sexual images that they see in the media and in the popular culture. Children need to have supporting and caring adults around them to help them overcome the harmful effects of the negative messages spread by the media about their sexuality. I agree with your strategy to show them strong women who do not act this way. REal life experiences are the best way to make children learn and cange their minds about certain behaviors. Thanks for sharing
Haily,
ReplyDeleteI think that you brought up a great point about talking to the girls and asking why they feel they should act this way. We have learned in the past that communication is key and when situations come up, we must remember to communicate. I think that there needs to be more positive women role models for the girls to look up to. It shouldn't be the singers that are wearing next to nothing and getting drunk every night. They need someone who has respect for themself and are confident in the decisions that they make. Great post!
Hi Hailey
ReplyDeleteYou have provided real life experiences into your assignment that makes perfect sense of how sexualization is displayed at very early ages. The most shocking thing is that parents see it, but do not respond as they should. I often wonder, is it just me? Or does it seem as if adults do not value respect anymore? They allow sons and daughters to make sexual comments in ways that they should not and will get angry at anyone who tries to show their children the correct way! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this!