A spokesperson for Ewa Sowinska, Poland’s ombudsman for children’s rights, has said Sowinska won’t pursue a proposed investigation into whether the Teletubbie Tinky Winky “promotes homosexuality” because he carries a purse.
I’m rather disappointed. While I don’t really believe same-sex attraction can be “promoted” (despite the free toasters), I do think it is good for our families and our children to see ourselves represented in media and merchandise. In addition to buying your child a Tinky Winky doll for Pride Month, therefore, I offer you the following suggestions:
A set of Bristle Blocks that includes one rather androgynous parental figure in the pair. Could easily pass for Mommy and Mama.
Fisher-Price Rescue Heroes. They just remind me of the Village People. Besides, with names like Billy Blazes, Jack Hammer, Rocky Canyon, and Seymour Wild, they sound like a gay burlesque troupe.
Love those Rescue Heroes!
Our boys have always been as interested in baby dolls and stuffed animals as our girl is. In fact, the first baby doll we bought was for our oldest son, who was two when his sister was born. The idea was to give him is own “new baby” to care for. At 8, he still plays with it occasionally.
That said, in spite of our attempts to be egalitarian, our kids have gravitated toward “gendered” toys. I’m kind of conflicted about that…
We just got a Fisher-Price doll house for our children. The family that comes with it is supposed to be a Mom, Dad, baby girl and dog. Well, the “Dad” has a pink tie and could totally pass for a short cut and glasses lesbian Mommy. While is doesn’t really look like one of the two Moms in our home, I’m so glad there is room for it to be a two Mommy Fisher-Price doll house. I wish I had a picture to get to you. It’s really quite amusing.