Little Girls/Gender-Neutral Marketing

The article about complimenting little girls was an eye opener for myself.  I have a 3 year old daughter and I find myself complementing her on how pretty she looks in her princess dresses.  As a result, all she wants to wear lately are dresses.  I have even noticed her teachers at school compliment her in the same ways.   I didn’t think it was a big deal until I read this article.  I agree with the author that individuals should model great compliments to children, so they won’t think they have to look or act a  certain way.

Moreover, I enjoyed reading the science supporting gender-neutral marketing article.  I agree with Target about removing gender references, so kids will have one section of toys instead of “boys” and “girls.”  Although, I found it interesting about the LEGO friends, which are purple and pink in color.  I believe this is giving off subliminal messages to girls that they can play with legos, but only purple and pink legos.  I agree with the author that it is basically persuading children that they are different based on their gender.  I remember when I was younger I would play with the same legos as my brother and didn’t think anything of it.  Today, it is immensely relevant that toy companies are gender stereotyping and programming children to think a certain way.  For example, they recently came out with a “boy” easy bake oven which is blue.  I think this is telling boys that they can bake, but in a masculine way since the oven is blue instead of pink.  Ultimately, toys are toys and kids should be able to follow their own interests without gender labels.