As the father of a boy, I often think about how I can raise my son to be a good man. What can I do to ensure that he?ll not become a sexist pig, but instead believe in, and stand up for, gender equity" He?s only three years old, mind you, but ever since his sex was confirmed on the ultrasound, that question has buzzed in the back of my mind. Child development experts always talk about the importance of zero-to-three, but when it comes to addressing?and circumventing?misogyny, is there anything you can do before a kid can even talk about it"
Over the last few weeks, as the victims of Harvey Weinstein?s history of abuse and violence continue to come forward, these questions have taken on a new urgency. The day after that story first broke, my wife and I were in the kitchen discussing it, and she described several experiences of sexual objectification from her own life. She?d told me these stories before, but the revelation of such a massive culture of silence in Hollywood brought renewed anger to them. That?s when our son, who?d been consumed with his train set, came over. ?Mommy, what are you talking about"? he asked.
She?d been speaking in vague terms for his benefit, but he knew something important was being discussed. And we didn?t know how to answer him.
?Just about someone who was being mean,? I offered, hoping that would be enough. But of course it wasn?t.
?Why"? he asked.
Somehow, I distracted him?Weinstein?s predatory behavior, and all those who s...