Kent Ninomiya gender roles

Kent Ninomiya

My daughter loves princesses. I mean she really loves princesses! Disney, Barbie, etc... if they're spoiled, rich and dress in pink she adores them. From before she was born I was acutely aware of the nature versus nurture argument. Do little girls play with dolls because they want to grow up to be mothers or because we give them dolls to play with? I made a conscious effort throughout her life to offer her a wide array of gender neutral choices in toys and entertainment. Besides, she has an older brother so the house was already full of trains and cars. (by the way same argument in reverse) Despite all my efforts, my little girl made it clear to me that she loved princesses from the moment she could communicate. I therefore come to the conclusion that her love of princesses is genetic. That's right genetic. Let the experts say what they want. I did not subconsciously nudge my daughter toward girl toys. She shoved me toward buying them for her. Believe me, I would much prefer her to have different role models than spoiled women waiting for men to fight over them. I have little choice. You try offering her a toy car to play with. It wouldn't be pretty.

Kent Ninomiya