Pjs | the central nest

This Peter Alexander Sleepwear Pj shirt has been pulled from shelves for being offensive. Where do you sit? Are you offended?

MY VIEW:

I think boys will be boys.

‘Boys’ does not have a definitive description in our home. Much like the term ‘Girls’.

At the crux of it, biology makes boys and girls different. It is undeniable, there is an intrinsic difference due to chromosomes. You can’t argue that.

To me, the term ‘boys will be boys’ isn’t limiting boys to one behaviour or attitude. A boy (by biology) will act as a boy. He may play with trucks, dirt and enjoy fart jokes OR he may like making clothes or listening to Kylie Minogue music or kissing other boys. Boys will be boys, without an encapsulating definition of it. Girls will also be girls in which ever way they choose to define it.

Isn’t that the true beauty, knowing that boys will be boys and girls will be girls but no one tells boys or girls how to act.

If we are seeking gender equality then shouldn’t we just accept that boys and girls get to choose how to be boys and girls? By pulling this shirt from the shelves I believe the company is simply enforcing the idea that you are limited by your gender. If boys can’t be boys, what can they be?

The only downfall for me with this shirt, is the fact that Peter Alexander usually makes WAY cuter pjs rather than bland grey with black text.

Where do you sit?

Are you offended at ‘boys will be boys’?

An irrational ongoing search has been occurring in our household for the last few months. My toddler-bird and I have been at loggerheads for what counts as appropriate sleepwear.

Like I said, I am aware of its irrationality but if you have a three year old, wait – if you have ever even met a three year old, you will probably know how the smallest issues can often be the biggest things!

After wearing a tutu to bed, her Ariel swimmers, a cardboard box (I kid you not) and an American Indian costume I finally decided it was time that we set some boundaries (it was becoming an OH&S issue!).

Finally, we agreed on some gorgeous new sleepwear and I wanted to share with you: