Why Boys Don't Play with Dolls on page 381 is an article by Katha Pollitt. In this piece, the author talks about how adults project their sexist values on their kids and protect themselves with the theories of innate difference. She claims that the feminist revolution is not yet finished. The adults take the path of least resistance to the global dominant stereotypes and impose their biased views upon their kids. For this, the theories of innate difference are very suitable since they free adults of responsibility. Pollitt finishes by stating that girls and boys are different but with the help of feminism, the sex roles are becoming more flexible and unaffected by biological determinism.
Has the author studied scientific evidence under the theories of innate differences? Why is the author so against sports? What is the final claim the author makes?
These questions arise from the dubious nature of the claims made by the author. She often stresses the fact that there should be no difference between males and females, and that there is no slightest biological determinism, but is that really so? Her position regarding sports is also strange to me. The conclusions the author makes seem too vague to me.
“Theories of innate differences in behavior are appealing. They let the parents off the hook [],” - I totally agree to this excerpt, however, this should not mislead us that there are no differences between girls and boys. “The paradox is that the world of rigid and hierarchical sex roles evoked by determinist theories is already passing away.” I agree that the changes have already started, but the claim that it already passes away seems very hasty to me. “Feminists are often accused of imposing their “agenda” on children. Isn’t that what adults always do [] ?” This objection is reasonable by me, however, we must maintain neutrality and not make boys play with dolls if they don’t want to.
Although the wound I inflicted on myself was deep, I recovered in a week, and I learned to use hammer properly.
Ambivalently – ambivalent – ambivalence.
Although they declared objectivity, their verdict was strongly biased, and they ambivalently judged both proponents and opponents of the policy.
Although Jake asked her not to, Mary flouted at him, and their friendship was over.
Bliss – to bliss – blissful
Even though “ignorance is bliss” was his catch phrase, Jack could not resist to know everything about his friends, and they laughed at him for that.
Converging – to converge – convergence.
While their platoon was stuck under converging fire, the help was already on the way, and all of them were saved eventually.
