Who are you to tell someone how to parent their child?

Recently a news story about a canadian couple raising a child to be gender neutral, exploded all over the net.
Here's the original article below;
http://parentingsguide.com/2011/05/canadian-couple-wont-reveal-childs-gender-the-mommy-files/

The article talks about how the family lets the children choose what toys they want to play with, what they want to wear, if they want to be home schooled or go to a public school. So why are they under such fire?

Our culture and media is obsessed with gender. It's how we are placed in a demographic by the media, it's used to defined our actions as 'manly' or 'girly'. It's such a part of our society today, that anything that crosses over the line into the opposite territory there seems to be a media fire there to voice their opinion.

But why is that grey area between boy and girl such a big deal?

Media doesn't always seem to accurately portray transgendered, or gender neutral individuals in a very positive way.

It's not like someone who is gender neutral or transgendered has any effect on your life whatsoever, them being who they are or want to be doesn't hurt you in any way. Everyone should be intitled to live their life the way that makes them happy, and if you don't like or agree with someone else's lifesytle, then look away.

So why, as a society do we feel the need to be entitled on how to tell someone how to parent their child?
I interpreted the story as simply a human interest piece, stating the story, letting it raise some questions and to really get people thinking about how their parenting style is different to this on, and how they might be open minded to accepting this way of parenting a child.

Think of the way your parents raised you and the colours as well as the types of toys they gave you. Where they associated with your gender?
The pressures of gender seperation influence parenting styles, and helps shape how the next generation view gender.

I personall support these parents in how they are raising their child, becasue ultimately it is their business how they raise their child and nobody else's.

If your interested in viewing some more opinions, check out this disscusion lead by Dr.Drew sharing their thoughts on this specific article.
http://fitperez.com/2011-05-25-gender-free-child-discussion?from=PHheadline

Revolution in the Middle East

Revolution in Middle East

The world has its eyes on the turmoil in the midle east. first it was Egypt, then Yemen, and now Lybia. Pretty soon it will be most of the arab world consumed in this revolution. what these countries are facing is a total end to their government and way of life. many of these countries are ruled by leaders who have been in power for 30+ years! These people have been living under a theocracy, meaning a government and law completely based on religion, ie. the Quaran. But now the outlash that started with Tunisia and Eygpt will echo thourhout the whole arab world, resulting in the end of this age old way of government and modernising the arab world into democracy. This in my opinion is a step forward, and in the future will better the relationship with the midle east and the western world.

“The Amazing Race: Unfinished Business 18”

Welcome to Sam’s Reality TV Check


A Fun Reality TV Show for all Ages!

The Amazing Race 2011 Reality TV show is bringing back teams from previous seasons, giving returning teams a second chance to win the Amazing Race One Million dollar grand prize. Contestants are specially selected favorite teams returning from Seasons 12 to 17. The Amazing Race 18 will be a 23-city race that will cover 5 continents and 40,000 mile. The new season of the amazing race is one to watch! This season the show is bringing back those teams who have competed before, but not won.

The competition is fierce!

The first “leg” of the race started in California but quickly moved to Australia where teams were this past week. Each episode includes 2-3 tasks per “leg”, where the teams compete against each other to get to the “rest stop” first. Each team, while competing against each other, complete tasks including; solving puzzles, locating local monuments and partaking in local rituals and customs. Those who get to the rest stop first, are given the privilege of leaving first for the next leg of the race. The team arriving first is rewarded with a vacation or a cash prize. Most of the time, those who complete the “leg” of the race last will be eliminated. Once in awhile there will be a non elimination round where no one gets sent home. However, if you are the last team to arrive in this particular week, and you have been spared elimination, you will have to complete an additional task during the next “leg” of the race.

Each “leg” of the race brings its challenges – “roadblocks”, “fast forwards”, “yields” and “u-turns” making the game more exciting and stressful for all those involved and those of us watching at home!

Watch your favorite team and find out who is getting closer to winning the million dollar cash prize from other competitors on “The Amazing Race: Unfinished Business Season 18” on CTV Sunday night at 8 sharp.

Your Reality TV Blogger – Keeping it Real!
Samantha Stewart