Journal Entry 1

After watching toddlers & tiaras I have a lot of mixed emotions about it. At first I’m angry with how the parents want their daughters to conform to gender stereotypes, for example the girl who likes to play soccer yet her mom wants her to participate in the beauty pageant. On the other hand if the children truly enjoy being in these shows then that’s great, however if they are doing it just to see their parents happy or award them then that’s horrible. A child shouldn’t be pressured into doing something they don’t actually enjoy just because there is a benefit for the parents. My mother for example has still not learned this, she makes all her kids(including me) play sports at a young age even if we don’t like to play. I think she does this so she can talk and socialize at these events and use it as a bragging right to her own benefit. I remember many times when I wouldn’t enjoy going to baseball practices and games but I didn’t have any other choice. This is also happening with my brother Tyler who hates going to swim meets yet our mom will not stand down and let him do what makes him happy. I especially liked the SNL video about baby toupees it shows that even though they are babies they still fit into gender norms and that hair is important.