A story has gone viral about an 8 year old's birthday party. Sam loves Taylor swift and knew when planning their birthday party that there could only be one theme - Talyor Swift. Sam loves Taylor Swift.
Sam sent out invitations to all their friends and Mum was surprised to receive a text message from another parent in response, saying their child would not be attending as it was "against their beliefs".
Sam's Mum was insure what the parent meant by "against their beliefs". Was it because Sam is a boy and some people think boys shouldn't be in to "girly things"? Is Taylor Swift "girly"?
What do you think is the best way to respond to this text? How did Mum respond?
Mum and Dad discussed the best way to respond to the text and decided the message was a little confrontational
- do you agree?
(The message could have just said "Thank you but we can't come, have a nice time and happy birthday!")
Mum decided is was good that the person wasn't attending the party as if they didn't like Taylor Swift, they might feel uncomfortable and no one would want that.
But Mum also asked if this story was actually about a deeper level of gender stereotypes and misconceptions; "I've always found it weird that we don't want boys liking women or looking up to women. What's the problem in boys liking women?"
"Society tends to see women as weaker or less than men so a boy looking up to a woman is essentially below him in their eyes. Most people wouldn't bat an eye lid at a girl who likes Spider man or had a Harry Styles themed birthday. Meanwhile boys are shamed for even participating in women-dominated hobbies and interests."
What do you think? Do you agree or disagree? Can you think of any examples to back up your opinion?
In the end the party was fabulous! You can see a short video in the link above; the first shows mum talking about her confusion towards the response to the party invitation, the second shows what the party was like.
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