Is This Book Sexist?
We believe women are equals.
We hold that truth to be self-evident.
Apparently, that’s a novel idea if you’re from a bygone era or an archaic cultural background. We understand. It took us a while figure out that we were idiots. Chauvinism has been around for ages and while we don’t have degrees in Women’s Studies, we’d like to think we can spot misogyny when we see it. But rather than pontificate about whether or not something contains sexual prejudice, we think the community should weigh in, on a case by case basis, about the things we observe on the Internet so we can learn to identify such instances.
Let’s start with a book we found titled I’m Glad I’m a Boy! I’m Glad I’m a Girl! We think you should decide for yourself if it contains negative stereotypes or not. Honestly, and to be fair, you should assess it for both sexes in terms of overtones. That’s only equitable.
So, let’s take a look…
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I'm Glad I'm a Boy, I'm Glad I'm a Girl
At the outset, it seems like this book would be a great way to celebrate our unique identities. But let's take a closer look.
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Inside Cover
Whitney Darrow, Jr. was born in 1909 and passed away in 1999.
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Boys Have Trucks
Yes, some of us do. I don't. I have a sedan. Can girls drive trucks?
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Girls Have Dolls
Equally useful, girls actually have dolls instead of trucks. They have miniature versions of human beings. Much too busy to have things like trucks, girls are.
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Boys Can Eat
I know I can. I love eating. But what about girls?
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Girls Can Cook
Well, okay, sure. I've met women and girls who know how to cook. But I too can cook, Mr. Darrow, Jr.
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Boys are Football Players
Wait, a minute. Boys are football players? I wasn't a very good one. I enjoyed hitting people without pads too much. Also, have you seen this female football player: CLICK HERE AND BE CORRECTED!
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Girls are Cheerleaders
Listen, I've seen some amazing male cheerleaders in my day. What is this book all about? Just wait...
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Boys are Pilots
I've never heard a woman come on the loudspeaker on a commercial airliner but, HELLO, Amelia Earhart?!
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Girls are Stewardesses
Update: They are no longer called stewardesses. They are flight attendants. And if you've seen "Passenger 57" then you know they can kick some ass.
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Boys are Presidents
Oh, here we go. Yes, men are doing such a great job of it right now. Thanks men!
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Girls are First Ladies
Unless you are Hillary Clinton, and then you're a badass, concussion-sustaining stateswoman who doesn't back down when misogynistic swine tell her that women can't vote or have rights to their own pursuits. I would love to see a Stay-At-Home dad First Husband. I think my wife should run for President.
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Boys Fix Things
Not in my house they don't. I break things. You're shocked. I know.
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Girls Need Things Fixed
Yes, like any sane person who values their possessions or doing their job or getting the show on the road, they like when things work. But they also fix things.
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Boys are Heroes
Yes, yes we are... when we're not being cowards or villains or bystanders, we are. You're right. But what about girls?
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Girls are Heroines
Despite the image, this one is spot on. Girls are capable of great things.
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Boys Build Houses & Girls Keep Houses
Well, I didn't have the heart to tell you earlier, but I can't build a house. And my wife is pretty messy... so... This one is not a "not so much" from me.
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I'm Glad You're a Girl & I'm Glad You're a Boy
I can get down with this. I'm glad people are who they are... if that's what you mean. Except for people I dislike, then I don't like much about them at all, gender notwithstanding.
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We Need Each Other
So, I can't tell if this is a poignant human story or a cry for predetermined sexual roles and heterosexual proselytizing. We do need each other. Not for everything mind you, but we, people, need each other.
Images from izismile.com
The book reads like it was written in 1950 but was in fact written in 1970. Fascinating!
What’s your verdict? Leave a comment below and let us know if you think the book unfairly depicts men and women.
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Ouch. Although I laughed when my 23 month old boy pointed to the cheerleader and hollered “TOUCH DOWN!” but nothing for the football player.
To quote Les Mis, since it’s the only thing on my mind these days, “I am agog, I am aghast.” I was really worried that you were going to say this was written in 2010, but even so 1970 is pretty bad. Now excuse me while I go cook, clean, knit, ask for help, and pray that a man throws a towel down for me as I try to cross the pool of rain forming outside my door.
I guess the late 1970′s and early 1980′s were a better time for Women’s Rights? Also, I’d hang you a boat if I could. IT’S RAINING THERE? NOTHING UP HERE IN LOS ANGELES…
A book made of fail, if it’s not a satire. UGH.