By: Jessica Taylor
Updated: Oct. 10, 2023
Just yesterday, my three-year-old son had a little accident at the playground—he tripped and bumped his eye. Meanwhile, my daughter prefers a quieter playtime with her dolls and books, while my son embodies the classic stereotype of his gender: he’s energetic and fearless. He didn’t cry when he hurt himself—except, of course, when I mentioned the stitches he needed. That’s just him; he’s tough and doesn’t let minor injuries get to him. But there’s something else about him that might surprise you: he enjoys playing with Barbies.
After our visit to the ER, I decided to grab some much-needed lunch for my kids. As I pulled into the McDonald’s drive-thru, the usual questions came: Would I like extra fries or apples? Any dipping sauce? Drinks?
I handed them their Happy Meals, and immediately, I noticed my son’s disappointment as he watched his sister brush her doll’s hair. Then came the fateful question from the attendant: “Is this meal for a boy or a girl?”
Without thinking much, I responded based on my children’s genders. But once we parked and I opened the meal boxes, it hit me hard: boys are expected to get Hot Wheels, while girls get Barbies.
As I watched my son’s face fall, I realized this moment was a microcosm of the larger world shaping my children differently based solely on their gender. My son can run around shirtless at the beach, while my daughter is expected to cover up. Boys can use urinals freely, while girls are hidden behind closed stalls.
That simple question from McDonald’s conveyed a significant message: my son is allowed to be wild and free, while my daughter is pushed toward traditional roles. My son will grow up with the freedom to explore and be himself, while my daughter will navigate societal expectations around appearance and behavior. So, who decides these norms? Why has a fast-food chain taken it upon themselves to dictate which toys are suitable for boys and girls?
A week later, I returned to McDonald’s and decided to order two Happy Meals for “two girls,” happily handing one to my son. What’s wrong with a boy wanting a Barbie? What if McDonald’s simply asked, “Would you like a car or a doll?” instead of assuming based on their gender?
My son, with his bruised eye, loves Barbies, and that doesn’t diminish his masculinity. In fact, it may even make him a more compassionate father one day. Boys can be both rambunctious and nurturing.
So, McDonald’s—our go-to when I need a break from cooking—next time my kids come to the counter, please offer a selection of toys and let them make their own choices.
If we genuinely want to foster an inclusive society where individuals can freely choose their paths, we must start with our children. Let them discover what resonates with them. That’s how we can create a better world, one Barbie or Hot Wheel at a time.
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In summary, it’s crucial to break free from gender stereotypes in childhood play. Allowing children to choose their toys based on their interests rather than their gender is a step toward creating a more accepting world, where everyone can thrive.