In today's society, people stereotype to generalize certain groups; such as religion, beliefs, or even discriminating groups of people because of there race, gender, or appearance. Stereotypes can be very harmful and unfair. Gender stereotypes have been around since the beginning of time, and are still very prominent today.
             As a child, I was brought up with the idea boys are strong, aggressive, and the leader; where as, girls are weak, passive, and the follower. My mother, made it clear to my sister and I, that playing sports was not acceptable for a young lady. Young ladies should be playing with dolls and playing house. Growing up, my friends and I would get together to play house, and every time we would play; Steve was the working father, Kelsey was the daughter and I was the housewife. Even at a young age, women are portrayed as the homemaker, cooking and cleaning, and the male going to work and bringing home the "bacon." When children are playing house, adults should guide them in the right direction. Simply explaining to the child woman work also can do this.
             As a teacher's aide, I have the opportunity to work with children, and seeing first hand how children have been influenced by stereotyping. While observing the students, I noticed a little girl, Emily, crying. When I approached Emily she was very upset. I asked Emily what was bothering her and she replied, "Nathan," said "I can't play with him" because "I was a girl" and "Girls can't play football." I took Emily's hand and walked over to the field where Nathan was playing. When I approached Nathan I simply explained to him that girls could play any game boys can. Children need to be taught that no matter what your gender is you can do anything you set your mind to.
             Now-a-days women do have jobs and are working their way to the top of the ladder. Working to the top of the ladder...