Even with my feminist parenting, the ills of society are creeping in. Today Meredith told me that she wanted to play golf when she is older, but she fears that only boys play golf. Later, Allison told me that she was sad because if we went to McDonald’s for lunch, she couldn’t get a spy toy because those are in the “boy” happy meal and she’d have to get a doll instead because she’s a girl.

Yes, I corrected them both and it led to a nice discussion, but it still makes me sad. I shouldn’t have to teach them that girls can be spies and girls can play golf. But society is teaching them the opposite, and they have to hear my messages as loud and as clear as they hear any other messages! We concluded that McDonald’s is practicing sexism by assigning a gender to their happy meals, and that they should call them “spy happy meals” or “doll happy meals” with a clear message that you can order either one, because Allison seriously thought she was restricted to the “girl happy meal.” I also realize that I perpetuate this, because I have been heard ordering 3 “girl happy meals” - I won’t do that again. From now on, I will say what is in the happy meal, if there is a choice.

Meredith was delighted to learn that there are LOTS of female golfers out there. She positively beamed when she realized that this could be a real possibility for her (FWIW, I have NO idea where her desire to be a golfer came from. I was shocked as heck when she said it…didn’t even know she knew what golf was, let along picked up on gender stereotypes regarding folks who enjoy the game!)