In China, the historical favoritism for boy children has led to terrible consequences for girls and to broad social issues. Are there any harmful traditions in or aspects of your own culture that affected you or people who you know?
Men competing in women’s sports is an issue that troubles me as the grandmother of three girls. They are still young enough to be somewhat protected from injuries that are being reported currently, but I worry about this for the future. These girls have possible competitive ability in several sports and I am hoping their achievements will not be erased as they move on to college.
I know of a family where boys were encouraged to go to college but not the girls. As a high school senior back in the 60s, the guidance counselor told me I showed skills in two areas as interpreted by some standardized test we took. Mr. W. said I could either be a carpenter or a secretary, and since girls couldn’t be a carpenter, I need to pursue the latter. “Next…” That was all the career counseling I received. Well, I bet he didn’t know my grandfather assisted by my dad built houses. A cousin did suggest I go to college as that’s the best place to catch a husband.
I sure hope that girls are given better advice now. I do respect, though, that college isn’t the end all for everyone. The key is there are choices today, but financing choices is an issue for many.
While growing up, many boys are pressured to suppress emotions and express their worth through dominance and aggression. This creates emotional distance, mental health struggles, and sometimes violence in families and communities. Secondly, the legacy of slavery, segregation, and unequal education continues to harm Black and Indigenous communities. Many have experienced discrimination in school discipline, law enforcement, housing, and healthcare. Another tradition is that the American media promote narrow ideals of beauty—thinness for women and muscles for men. Many people have wrestled with these pressures. Lastly, girls are taught that their value lies in sexual abstinence and modesty, leading to shame, misinformation, and difficulty forming healthy adult relationships. At the same time, boys are encouraged to be aggressive and sometimes sexually active.
Today, I see harmful things happening to children. Some parents believe vaccinations are dangerous and don’t allow their children to have them. Currently it is the measles vaccine! I wonder how people could be so misguided and make this decision putting their children’s lives at stake. There are other religious groups that deny medical treatment for children with serious illness.
Sadly infected children in their schools are affected, too. I’m concerned that our government will become very lax regarding vaccinations. The misinformation, unscientific rants, and suggested replacement therapies are sure to increase. Remember when drinking Lysol was suggested as a possible preventative cure for Covid??
Where to start… We are still embedded with the legacy of slavery. So many limitations plus strictly segregated communities has resulted in a limitation on Blacks’ fair and equal participation in housing, business, politics and education. It’s a slow process from which we are continuing to recover.
And we have throughout history been prejudiced against any influx of immigrants until the next group arrives and is assimilated.
The treatment of women has been less severe than in China, but women have long been second class citizens. The ability to vote only occurred after many women were jailed and even killed in the struggle. As recently as the early 60s, most women went to college to get their Mrs. Degree. I was counseled in college against trying to become an attorney, but to a more typically women’s job. I had to get my parents permission to get a phone or electricity even after I was 18 and working. I know of some families who paid for a son’s college education but not the daughter.
All that said,I am very grateful that while we still have lots of problems, I am in the least restrictive of the world’s nations.
Great comment that includes a lot that I left out!