The events that happened in Littleton, Colorado at Columbine High School in No one will nor should attempt to defend the actions of the twogunmen, but it is beneficial to look into the reasons that this did occur as a preventivemeasure of sorts. Simply looking back over the past few years of teenage violence a picture becomeclear of who the aggressors are : white males. There is definitely a strong relationshipbetween the violence of late and gender. Better stated, the socialization of white males incontemporary American society has absolutely lead to the rash of tragic, violent outburstsin our school systems. The mechanisms of socialization utilize childrens toys as a teaching tool. Thereis a noted breakdown amoung the genders on the toy front. Toys geared towards femalesare softer and lead to a calmer climate of civility by their mere nature : dolls to play housewith, Barbies to dress up, Easy-Bake ovens to cook with, the list is endless. Toys gearedtowards males are rougher and create a climate of more agressive playing by their merenature: guns to shoot each other with, plastic action figures to wage battles with, again thelist is endless. Comparison shop down any stores toy aisle and the gender gap becomesall too clear. What is to be learned from the great toy divide? If males are encouraged toplay in a manner that is aggressive and ulimately violent, is it, then, not expected for themto grow up to be agressive and violent.According to Esterchild (Jan 28,1999), the expectations for masculinity include,but are not limited to, the belief in the unflappable strength of the male and his absoluteaversion to all things feminine, as in no sissy stuff. In this world, the only thing thatis as bad as being a girl, is being a sissy, that is, being like a girl (Kaufaman 11) Males are taught from an early age, in no uncertain terms, that there is a hugedistinction between males and females. Females are weak, they have no power. ...
