As the daughter of a second wave feminist, the fact that I did not grow up playing with dolls should surprise no one. In the nascent momentum to unravel gender stereotypes for children, my toybox did not contain any of those stiff-limbed figures in frilly dresses or porcelain pretties with painted-on pouts. (You’re right; I didn’t have an E-Z Bake Oven, either.) I didn’t mind much, since I found Raggedy Ann’s triangle nose terrifying, and the ones that peed in tiny diapers grossed me out. Also, until I was eight, I legit thought
Marvelous, darling! You said it all. I love the commentary and your observations. I was firm in my beliefs that my children wouldn't be brainwashed into gender roles. My parents were eccentric bohemians who didn't question it; however, your other grandparents were appalled that I requested a lawn mower (much to my chagrin because it made a most annoying growling sound) instead of a baby carriage. Gems that they were, they bought both!
What a wonderful showcase for the exhibit! I wish I could see it. No Barbies! I admit it! I was in a Women's Studies program at ASU at the time. We had lectures on the "Dangers of Barbie's" to little girls' identity! But, you did have a giant doll that was the size of you at two. She wore one of your dresses which was covered in large pink flowers. I know because I saved her until the last move because I knew you'd give me "rolled eyes" if I ever showed it to you. You were a very cute little girl. BTW, the pregnant yellow possum with 8 attached babies made it until November of 2021when a helper fell in love with her. Well-preserved in an old zippered mattress covering bag!
Marvelous, darling! You said it all. I love the commentary and your observations. I was firm in my beliefs that my children wouldn't be brainwashed into gender roles. My parents were eccentric bohemians who didn't question it; however, your other grandparents were appalled that I requested a lawn mower (much to my chagrin because it made a most annoying growling sound) instead of a baby carriage. Gems that they were, they bought both!
What a wonderful showcase for the exhibit! I wish I could see it. No Barbies! I admit it! I was in a Women's Studies program at ASU at the time. We had lectures on the "Dangers of Barbie's" to little girls' identity! But, you did have a giant doll that was the size of you at two. She wore one of your dresses which was covered in large pink flowers. I know because I saved her until the last move because I knew you'd give me "rolled eyes" if I ever showed it to you. You were a very cute little girl. BTW, the pregnant yellow possum with 8 attached babies made it until November of 2021when a helper fell in love with her. Well-preserved in an old zippered mattress covering bag!