By Jenna Baker

Many people fail to realize that objects and interests do not automatically equate to gender or sexuality. When I was a young girl, I played with toy cars and Lego. However, as a teenager, my pastimes have shifted to experimenting with makeup and styling my hair. Unfortunately, social norms make it challenging for young girls to embrace activities that are traditionally associated with boys.

Growing up as a girl often feels like a competition. Being surrounded by girls playing with Barbies or American Girl Dolls pressures many into begging their parents for one too in order to fit in. Seeming different from your peers is scary, especially when you are young and out of touch with yourself. This adds to the struggle for self-discovery.

Society has painted a narrow picture, suggesting that girls should stick to playing dress-up and watching princess movies to maintain their femininity. By contrast, boys should focus on Transformers and playing with dinosaurs to connect with their masculine side. These societal pressures are flawed, limiting individual expression and personal growth. 

Reflecting on my own childhood, I loved to play with Barbies and dolls, but I also played basketball at the park and made science experiments blow up in my room. Today, as a 16-year-old, I embrace a diverse range of interests including a passion for make-up.  After reconnecting with an elementary school acquaintance, I was told that I grew up to be “more girly” than I was expected to be since I used to come to school wearing little to no pink.

Being a kid in such a judgmental society makes it difficult to get to know your true self as there are so many pressures to conform to restrictive gender norms. It’s common to hear that it “isn’t okay” for young boys to play with dolls because they are “still developing” but isn’t it true that playing with dolls helps develop emotional skills? Boys are deprived of this experience when they are limited to a small variety of items for their gender. As of 2023, we have a diverse genre of dolls that include men, along with different races and sizes. Self-expression in young boys is cut short when they are belittled for exploring traditionally feminine toys.

Toys marketed toward girls often emphasize a nurturing quality such as a baby you have to feed, while toys for boys tend to be more aggressive such as Nerf guns. However, every child is unique, and their interests should not be confined by social expectations.

As a kid, it’s important to explore parts of you that go beyond societal expectations because sooner or later, you will start to question your true identity. It’s important to explore different parts of yourself and to get in touch with sides that aren’t “socially correct.” The person you were in 5th grade usually isn’t going to be the same when you are 18.  By encouraging kids to explore diverse interests, we empower them to discover their true identities.