It’s not just that the dolls are limited in how they look, but also the way they look. Their proportions are so far removed from what everyday women actually look like that they can set girls up for all kinds of body image issues.
Growing up, Barbie was pretty much the only option, and her measurements were so unrealistic that, if extrapolated to a real person, they’d be completely impossible.
And that image is so dangerous for young girls! That image is constantly reinforced by media, advertising, and social media, where looks become of prime importance over competence.
It is and they learn it so young. Even if parents try their best not to fall into those stereotypical ways of categorizing males and females - schools, kids, tv, and movies etc… does it for them.
Such an eye-opening and inspiring story! The impact of toys on shaping gender roles cannot be overstated. Jodi Bondi Norgaard’s work highlights how challenging the status quo can create opportunities for children to dream beyond societal expectations. It’s time we rethink the stories we tell through play. Looking forward to diving into her book!
Another POWERFUL piece. "Listened" to it read to me last night (haha) and been processing it off an on since then. You would think in my work that I would be highly arawe of the stories we learn as children that indoctrinate us into our "preferred" gender role based on our sex. Of course I know this and been exposed to it multiple times in my study. However, as I have been re-listening to Unmasking Autism, the author speaks multiple times about the gender bias in diagnosing neurodiversity. Especially since this is generally at this point in time a "white boy" diagnosis and women are not fiding out they have it until peri/menopause. She points the way boys are cultured vs the way girls are during their early years...so that if a boy exhibits less "boyness" then they are more likely to be looked at for diagnosis. But if a girl exhibits less "girlness", she is (still) cultured to be more "girl" gender typed. So this post came when my awareness was even hightened and plan on linking to this in one of my upcoming posts in the new series I am releasing...sense it is helping to make Patriarchy as a system so evident. Thank you!
Thank you for your comment! The messages we pass along to our children are often very subtle, but the messages from advertising, media, and the toy industry are loud and clear.
Unfortunately all of this work has been erased by trump and company. Women are now second class citizens in America. I am an Executive coach and hear all day long from my clients that there is a real change in corporate. Male toxicity is now prominent and encouraged. trump has made it ok to be rude, vile and misogynistic and women and girls need to be aware that the worst is yet to come.
I also hear from my clients that the patriarchy remains strong. But I refuse to give up helping my clients navigate the dynamics and position themselves given the reality. It's important to nurture the relationships that count and find allies and champions.
It’s not just that the dolls are limited in how they look, but also the way they look. Their proportions are so far removed from what everyday women actually look like that they can set girls up for all kinds of body image issues.
Growing up, Barbie was pretty much the only option, and her measurements were so unrealistic that, if extrapolated to a real person, they’d be completely impossible.
And that image is so dangerous for young girls! That image is constantly reinforced by media, advertising, and social media, where looks become of prime importance over competence.
It is and they learn it so young. Even if parents try their best not to fall into those stereotypical ways of categorizing males and females - schools, kids, tv, and movies etc… does it for them.
Such an eye-opening and inspiring story! The impact of toys on shaping gender roles cannot be overstated. Jodi Bondi Norgaard’s work highlights how challenging the status quo can create opportunities for children to dream beyond societal expectations. It’s time we rethink the stories we tell through play. Looking forward to diving into her book!
You will really enjoy her book, and it is eye-opening! It is time to rethink the stories we tell through play
Another POWERFUL piece. "Listened" to it read to me last night (haha) and been processing it off an on since then. You would think in my work that I would be highly arawe of the stories we learn as children that indoctrinate us into our "preferred" gender role based on our sex. Of course I know this and been exposed to it multiple times in my study. However, as I have been re-listening to Unmasking Autism, the author speaks multiple times about the gender bias in diagnosing neurodiversity. Especially since this is generally at this point in time a "white boy" diagnosis and women are not fiding out they have it until peri/menopause. She points the way boys are cultured vs the way girls are during their early years...so that if a boy exhibits less "boyness" then they are more likely to be looked at for diagnosis. But if a girl exhibits less "girlness", she is (still) cultured to be more "girl" gender typed. So this post came when my awareness was even hightened and plan on linking to this in one of my upcoming posts in the new series I am releasing...sense it is helping to make Patriarchy as a system so evident. Thank you!
Thank you for your comment! The messages we pass along to our children are often very subtle, but the messages from advertising, media, and the toy industry are loud and clear.
So so true….we just have to have eyes and ears open enough to understand what we are seeing and hearing it seems.
Unfortunately all of this work has been erased by trump and company. Women are now second class citizens in America. I am an Executive coach and hear all day long from my clients that there is a real change in corporate. Male toxicity is now prominent and encouraged. trump has made it ok to be rude, vile and misogynistic and women and girls need to be aware that the worst is yet to come.
I also hear from my clients that the patriarchy remains strong. But I refuse to give up helping my clients navigate the dynamics and position themselves given the reality. It's important to nurture the relationships that count and find allies and champions.