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When Stephen Callaghan's 12-year-old daughter was subjected to a gender-specific classroom activity, he wrote the principal a letter criticizing the school for being sexist.
It can be challenging for parents to encourage their kids to embrace their individuality when we live in a society where stores dictate one's gender according to the merchandise.
Such casual sexism transpired at the school where Callaghan is a 6-year student. Boys and girls would go on separate field trips that were considered suitable for their respective genders: The boys go to the hardware store, and the girls go to the library and get their hair and makeup done.
Such outdated stereotypes forced Callaghan to write a hilarious, but pointed note, to the school.
Dear Principal, I must draw your attention to a serious incident which occurred yesterday at your school where my daughter Ruby is a year 6 student. When Ruby left for school yesterday it was 2017 but when she returned home in the afternoon she was from 1968.I know this to be the case as Ruby informed me that the “girls” in Year 6 would be attending the school library to get their hair and makeup done on Monday afternoon while the “boys” are going to Bunnings.
He wanted to make sure the school didn't have the tendency to hurl students through a time warp.
Are you able to search the school buildings for a rip in the space-time continuum? Perhaps there is a faulty Flux Capacitor hidden away in the girls toilet block?I look forward to this being rectified and my daughter and other girls at the school being returned to this millennium where school activities are not divided sharply along gender.
He tweeted the letter.
I wrote a letter https://t.co/oFJp7egVnf— Grumplestiltskin (@Grumplestiltskin) 1512553477.0
Most people favored his stance and reacted positively.
@2FBS 10/10 tip-top parenting.— The Cathy Wilcox (@The Cathy Wilcox) 1512566728.0
But the tweet also sparked some debate. One user said, "Sometimes it is just ok for girls to do girl things." Gallghan responded by emphasizing the inherent issue about 'girl things,' writing, "Never said it wasn't...but you've missed the point. Why "girl things" or "boy things"...Why not just "things anyone can do?"
He got some backup.
One user commented on the makeover session inside the library. Apparently, it's a place to go braid each other's hair.
@2FBS @KillerMartinis I don’t know what Bunnings is, but the school is wrong to spend time doing hair and makeup wi… https://t.co/skoAjHjVuC— Tara Enedy (@Tara Enedy) 1512601022.0
The thread also scored endorsement for Bunnings.
@2FBS @xskinn I don't wear makeup I don't brush my hair even hardly and Bunnings is my favourite. I hope my daughte… https://t.co/hqkKDoYc0q— Jacqueline Maree (@Jacqueline Maree) 1512554024.0
@Nuggety814 @2FBS @KillerMartinis My wife and I renovated our bathroom, built a deck and a chicken pen. She handled… https://t.co/jsDo3ip5AC— Steven Hambleton (@Steven Hambleton) 1512610885.0
The Australian father wrote a followup post on Twitter.
Ruby and I would like to thank you for the great comments of support. At 12 years of age my daughter is starting to… https://t.co/d4OljV3qY7— Grumplestiltskin (@Grumplestiltskin) 1512636985.0
Were with you on that, Steve!
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H/T - twitter, theberry, goodtoknow