EDUC 6357: Diversity, Development and Learning

Blog Assignment

 

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

I worked with a young man that moved here from Minnesota and worked for the same company as myself. It was so ironic how we both lived in the same state and worked for the same company but never met until we both relocated to the South. To keep his name in confidence I will call him Michael. This young man really cared about children and never took his job for granted. There were a few parents who had a problem with him working with their children because he was a male. Moving from MN you had just as many male child care providers and Directors as well as females. I did not witness the discrimination until I moved back to the South. One of the parents made a comment in front of me about Michael working at a day car; he stated, and I quote “He must be gay.” I looked at him and said, “Why does he have to be gay, because he happens to be a male working with children?” I feel that the mentality that many (not all) of the people in the south is very stereotypical. I tell people that I did not experience racism until I moved back to the South four years ago.

In order for us as people to respect, and understand others beliefs and values we have to think outside the box. Family’s traditional belief has changed in today’s society; therefore, educators and society as a whole has to change as well. In this situation, parents are looking at the fact that Michael is a male who works with children. My question is what the difference with males working in a child care facility than a male Pediatrician?  In reality there is no difference; so we will trust a male Doctor with our children, but not a male child care provider.   

 

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)

Growing up we used the term ‘tom boy’ frequently about girls in the neighborhood trying to do what the boys did or did better. I never thought this was a negative word until about three years ago. My closest friend’s eight years old daughter is very athletic, and love to compete with her older brother. She put a video on Facebook of them racing, and her daughter won the race. I commented and said something about her being a ‘tom boy’ and another family member in boxed me and said that she took that comment to be offensive. I apologized and explained that I did not mean any harm; I was just giving her prompts about her being so athletic. We later talked and discussed the situation and from that day on, I never used the term ‘tom boy’ again. This is a prime example of traditional stereotypical statements. I used a term that I grow-up hearing and using all my childhood life and never thought it to be negative or offensive. Times has changed so much in today’s society, things considered to be acceptable in the 50’, 60’ and early 70’s or not acceptable in today’s society. Being mindful of our vocabulary is imperative, because I thoughts can become our words.