Gender Roles In Children's Literature

Hannah Tennant-Moore — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 17:40:00 GMT

Back in second grade, when I and many of my classmates were forming Harriet the Spy clubs, complete with code names and symbols to indicate various personality traits—including “suspichis” and “meanie”—brassy characters like Harriet starred in just about all the books I loved. It never occurred to me that I was behaving in ways that could be considered “unladylike.”

But when the book first came out in the 1960s, that’s exactly how Harriet’s character was received, according to an NPR segment this morning. Harriet was only the second female sleuth to appear in children’s literature, and the first, Nancy Drew, made Shirley Temple look mischievous. Harriet wore baggy jeans; was outspoken, street smart, and full of herself; and didn’t much care what people thought of her. So it’s interesting to note that Louise Fitzhugh, the book’s author, is gay. Although sexual orientation is certainly not touched upon in the book, Harriet was the first girl character to thrive as a tomboy. For many girls growing up in the 60s, it was revolutionary to realize that one could dress and act “like a boy” and survive childhood.

These days, we have a plethora of children’s books with beloved, fiesty girls: Romana Quimby, Eloise, Olivia, and Junie B. Jones don’t always mind their manners, but they win people over with their humor and strong sense of self. It’s a far cry from 1964, when Harriet the Spy was panned by traditional critics and banned in many schools.

And yet there remain few correspondingly gender-bending role models for boys. While it’s become much more acceptable for girls to do traditionally masculine activities like play sports and crack smart aleck jokes, it remains largely taboo for young boys to play house, dress up, or quietly play with dolls. Not only is this trend clearly detrimental to boys who are less aggressive, athletic, and outspoken than their peers, but it could indicate a general devaluing of traditionally feminine activities. Where are the gentler, more thoughtful characters, whether male or female?

Has this trend troubled any parents of boys? Am I overlooking non-traditional boy role models?

Image: sailsinc.org/northattleboro

Top 5 Bad Mother's Day Gifts for Grown-Up Tomboys

Rachael Brownell (Redsy) — Sun, 22 Apr 2007 16:05:00 GMT

As a former tomboy and avid devourer of pirate, private detective, and pioneer girl novels, I learned more about brake pads than kitchen utensils during my happily gender-free growing up years. Fast forward many many hungry children later and I've learned more domestic skills than I ever thought possible, but out of necessity rather than love. Anything domesti-mommy represents my idea of the worst possible Mother's Day gifts of all time. You might love them. But me and Harriet the Spy think they stink.

1. Kitchen Implements - Anything related to baking pies, making lasagnas, or fancy mixer doo-dads send the absolutely wrong message. If you want your tomboy to love you, buy yourself these things and show her what you can make her with them.

2. Sexy Lingerie - Grown-up tomboys may love to dress up all pretty, but don't buy her lingerie for Mother's Day unless you want a black eye.

3. Workout Membership to the Gym - Again with the wrong message. Your tomboy probably loves team sports, the more rough and tumble the better. But aerobics? Probably not her thing.

4. Hallmark Book-Length Card with Sappy Sayings About Motherhood - If the first few lines read, "Dear Mother of My Children. You always know just what to do. Your loving kisses and hugs are like angel wings from heaven..." Step away!! Your tomboy would rather see something funny and light than schmaltzy and ushy mushy.

5. Cross-Stitched "Mother's Love" Pillow - Your girl probably doesn't like cross-stitch on principal. And country cute is definitely not her aesthetic. Stay away from all things plaid, lacey and bunny. Or else.

Strollerderby : Harriet the Spy

Gender Roles In Children's Literature

Top 5 Bad Mother's Day Gifts for Grown-Up Tomboys