On being a feminist. (surrounded by idiots)(Ok, not really, but it feels like it)

Sometimes it's hard being a feminist, especially when you feel like things you find self evident appear not to be. And when lovely, kind people appear to be trying to sabotage your efforts with your children!

Me and the kids were at a friend's house. We'll call her Winter (because she has beautiful blue eyes, fair skin and dark hair. It makes sense in my head). The children, two girls and one boy were watching the tinkerbell movie. Fine. I'm good with that , no sex or violence, strong female characters, good moral message etc. Well, another friend (we'll call her Sally because it's a nice name) said "I hope you have boy movies as well!". Hmm.

Firstly, rude! Is it any of her business what movies Winter has for her children? Is she implying that Winter shouldn't let her son watch Tinkerbell? Or that she is somehow a negligent mother is she doesn't have violent, masoginistic 'boy' movies as well?

Secondly, I am blue in the face trying to teach Abby and William that there are no such thing as 'boys' and 'girls' movies, toys, colours, activities. That some misguided people will try and classify and restrict them according to their gender, but that they are (ahem) silly and don't know what they're talking about. So when people I know and love spout this rubbish in front of my children, I get cranky! I quickly responded "There are no such thing as boy movies and girl movies, and James quite likes this one". Sally "Yes there are". Me"No, there are movies that more girls like than boys, but that doesn't mean they are girl or boy movies'. Sally, "Well, try convincing my 14yo son to watch tinkerbell!". Me "well, there are no boys or girls movies in my house."

I don't think that the fact that a teenage boy doesn't want to watch tinkerbell makes it a 'girl' movie. I would be a bit surprised if he DID want to watch it. I would also be surprised if he wanted to watch 'Bob the Builder', which I assume would be classified as a 'boy' show.

With friends like these, who needs enemies?

* Of course I still love Sally, it just frustrates me that a smart, well educated woman can be so misguided!