Some of the ways I have noticed
how homophobia and heterosexism permeate the world of young children is by depicting
very little diversity. Most children
books, movies, toys, stores, culture of early childhood centers, and schools
portray the image of families that have heterosexual parents. Play houses often come with mother and father
dolls. Even fictional characters like
Arthur and Olivia the pig have heterosexual parents. Superhero movies all contain a love story
with a member of the opposite sex. Also, if parents have negative views of
homosexuality then they might influence the views of their children. The truth is that children are not exposed to
diverse families or individuals enough to build awareness and acceptance. Heterosexism is very apparent in the world
and homosexuality is not. Until then,
homosexuality will always be seen as “different” or “opposite” and it is these
types of views that can lead children to develop homophobia.
I have heard a child use the homophobic
word “gay” as an insult. It was used in
reference to something that they did not like.
When I heard it I asked where they had learned that word and the child
said they had heard it from their father.
These types of comments influence all children because since it was used
in a negative way by an adult the children repeat it with the same reference. Although they may not know what it means to
be gay they will continue to use it with that connotation. It saddens me to think that even family
members are sometimes spreading hate like this to their children. What is worse is that then these children can
unknowingly spread hate themselves when they use the term as they socialize
with other children. When children start
using homophobic terms it means that either someone has taught them or someone
has not taken the times to help them understand. I truly believe that knowledge is the first
step to addressing any bias.
