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Boys Have Emotions Too by Lila Turner
Updated: Aug. 31, 2015
Originally Published: Aug. 28, 2015
As my son has taken an interest in writing, I’m always on the lookout for the perfect notebook or journal for him. During a recent work trip to New York City, I stumbled upon a charming boutique bookstore near Columbia University. While browsing the adult section, I discovered a delightful notebook adorned with an owl that I knew he’d adore. However, when I ventured downstairs to the children’s section, I was met with a sea of pink and purple sparkly diaries that I knew he wouldn’t appreciate at all.
It disheartens me that pink and glitter often signal “girl” in today’s society—a stigma that has unfortunately seeped into the minds of young children. I remember when my son was three years old, his favorite color was pink, and my husband and I supported his choice. We even celebrated his birthday with a pink Brachiosaurus cake. But things changed when he entered kindergarten. When he hesitated to wear a pink Polo shirt, I reminded him of the pink cake, and he burst into tears, insisting, “That’s not true.”
The truth is, those diaries I found in New York were clearly marketed toward girls, who are encouraged to voice their feelings, both in writing and verbally. How are boys supposed to respond when they see shelves filled with pink diaries? It sends an unspoken message that expressing emotions through writing is not for them.
Recently, Target made headlines by removing gender-specific signage in sections like bedding and toys. This corporate decision is a positive step toward breaking down the outdated norms associated with traditional marketing. Just as girls can enjoy Legos and action figures, boys should feel free to write in journals and play with dolls without fear of judgment.
The backlash against this change seems absurd. Target isn’t compelling parents to buy Barbies for their sons; instead, they are offering more diverse options without labeling toys strictly as “boys” or “girls.” If a boy wants a My Little Pony, Target isn’t going to discourage him with marketing that implies it’s a girl’s toy.
As an adult, I don’t need to search for a journal in a “women’s” section. Whether I’m at a big retailer like Target or a quaint shop in New York, I can find a notebook that suits my taste—definitely not one that’s pink and glittery. So why do we allow our children to be boxed into the notion that pink is for girls and blue is for boys? Why do we tolerate this?
I want to instill in my son the importance of expressing his feelings, documenting his dreams, and finding solace in writing when he’s upset. But how many pink journals will he see before he starts to think that writing is a “girl thing”? When will he feel pressured to fit a mold that society has created for him?
It’s time for all companies targeting children to reevaluate the subtle messages their products convey. No child should feel alienated or strange based on their choice of toys or activities, whether they prefer dolls or action figures. For more insights on expressing emotions and navigating parenting, check out this helpful resource on pregnancy and home insemination.
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In summary, it’s essential to challenge the outdated gender norms surrounding toys and activities. Encouraging children to freely express their emotions—whether through writing, play, or otherwise—should be a priority for all of us.
Keyphrase: boys have feelings too
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