stereotyping Molly Weasley and male/female role models

[hermowninny719]

No: HPFGUIDX 85008

> Lisa wrote :
> >Research of school-aged kids shows that most boys wont read a book 
> (in general) with a female leading character.
> 
Sylvia wrote:> 
<snip>
I cannot describe the pain and 
> anguish of the class of boys I was teaching when they discovered 
the 
> gender of the character they had all enthusiastically identified 
with.
<snip>

Now Hermowninny:
I believe what you both have said to be true, however, I don't think 
it's the whole truth.  I have 3 daughters, and they don't like books 
with a female lead.

I have given them countless books that showcase young girls, and they 
simply aren't interested.  I read every book my kids do before I will 
let them read it and even I didn't enjoy the ones with a female lead 
as much as those with a male lead.

We have even read several books where the lead characters are a duo-
boy and girl--equal and complementary in capabilites and "screen 
time".  Still, we all identified with (and liked) the boy more.

When I discovered this, I was alarmed.  Does this point to some 
stereotype in my mind that has been passed on to my daughters, or are 
there just no good books out there with a female lead?

Perhaps it's only natural for girls/women to look to boys/men to be 
their hero.  (Please only throw fruit, no daggers!)

-Hermowninny