Katie is a first grade girl who has been teased for bringing her Star Wars water bottle into school because the boys in her class say Star Wars is only for boys. Since her mother posted the story on the web, people of all ages have read and commented to show support for the girl to like whatever she darn well pleases.The hell! I lined up with all the other kids when I was seven to see the first Star Wars movie. All the other equally excited-out-of-their-minds kids -- not just the boys. And I have always been a fan, though like many I gritted my teeth through the second wave of movies.
And my kids? They're fans too (although poor Mali, being a third child, hasn't had much exposure). But the two big kids have always been geared up. Here's Iz with the Darth Vader lunch box that was her pride and joy in 1st grade -- and which, like Katie, she stopped using in 2nd grade due to teasing. I talked to her this morning and she's still skittish about sporting Star Wars wear & lunch boxes because the other girls would tease her (stupid middle school social dynamics), though she says she wouldn't mind an Ewok shirt (which got Seymour musing about the wonders of the Ewok Christmas Special, and whether copies might exist anywhere ... anyone?).
Leo's got quite a bit of Star Wars wear as well -- clothes and jammies. He doesn't pick them, but I think he likes them. And I remember an interview with author Nick Hornby, who has a teen son with autism, talking about how he tried to be mindful about getting age-appropriate cool clothes, posters, etc. for his son, thing he thought his son might like. So it might be time to put some of Leo's Teletubbies toys away, and see if he notices -- though I'm torn, as I feel as though our boy should get to play with whatever makes him happy in the sanctuary of his own room. Happy is primary!
- Best post I've seen so far on Wear & Share Star War day, by Jen from Cake Wrecks: http://www.epbot.com/2010/12/
star-wars-smiles.html - And I adore James Hance's super-cute cartoon Star Wars mashups: http://jameshance.com/
cartoons.html
this is obnoxious...I am the Star Wars fangirl in my house....u go Kate and Iz
ReplyDeleteNo kidding! Though my heart truly belongs to Star Trek TNG. Ah, Picard, Worf...Wesley finally left...
ReplyDeleteThinking about this for Z:
http://www.zazzle.com/darth_vader_apparel_tshirt-235966120848222487
Ewok song for Iz -
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xdd0edT-BeE
They were more than just cute and cuddly bears!
You have probably already seen this.
She loved the Ewok Gospel! Though she didn't believe it was Lando at first.
ReplyDeleteit's a bummer when girls get told things are just for boys, but I have to say my son has been dealing with the opposite comment (you can't like that, it's only for girls!) for years (he's 7). I find the would-be limits extremely restricting with entire colors, characters, and activities off limits.
ReplyDeleteMaya, argh! I just wrote a post about books that might appeal to your son, check it out:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.squidalicious.com/2010/12/last-minute-holiday-gifting-five.html