Originally Posted by
[Purple_Rain]
Refering to a child as he or she leads to sterotyping. Example: When I was little, people knew I was a girl, so exclusively bought me dolls and expected me to play 'girls games'.
I disagree. The only time I was given a doll (or other "girly" present) as a child was by my parents and when I specifically asked for something. I think my parents told my family what to get me, or said that I wasn't in to the typical girly presents and so to get me something neutral or something that I'd asked for. I don't remember ever receiving a "girly" present from someone else.
I disagree that they are de-sexing him, as it doesnt remove his male parts. In my oppinion they are not de-gendering him because he knows he is a boy.
No, but I think they are de-sexing him because the parents won't tell other people if he is a boy or a girl. It's quite simple and easy (and infinitely more understandable) for the parents to say something along the lines of "Oh yes, isn't he adorable. We don't mind what he plays with, we're letting him explore his own boundaries and as long as he's happy that's all that matters."