In Katha Pollitt's essay, "Why Boys Don't Play with Dolls," she responds to scientific research on distinct preferences of boys and girls by explaining how children are constantly filled with messages about their gender roles. She directs her work towards all educators and parents to help them understand the impact they have on gender inclinations. of their children. Say no to plagiarism. Get a custom essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayPollitt begins his essay by explaining how we are told that gender preferences are derived from genes, not societal factors, and how feminism has not completely changed gender roles in children. She counters both of these claims by explaining that we don't need science to understand the differences between the two sexes. and that feminism only helped to a certain extent. Additionally, she explains how the way adults treat their children proves how incomplete the feminist revolution is. The author recalls a birthday party in which a mother apologizes to the birthday girl's mother for giving her daughter a Barbie doll as a gift. She explains the importance of these excuses by relating them to women's concern for their physical appearance. A woman's appearance matters a lot in society and the Barbie doll represents an unreal representation of the female body. The essay then introduces the idea that feminist mothers portray a comical lack of interest in their sons' sporting activities, yet do not discourage them from participating. Pollitt explains how feminist mothers do not go against their own morals and associate sports with a masculine characteristic in men. The narrator adds that the culture never blames parents for any missteps on behalf of their child. Pollitt introduces the paradox that the world of hierarchical gender roles is disappearing and adherence to stereotypical gender norms is coming to an end. The author explains how the average number of applicants to nursing schools is now roughly balanced between the two sexes. Pollitt says that for every child who follows a stereotype, there is another who breaks it or another who does both. The essay ends by explaining how adults in general, unconsciously or consciously, implement their own "agenda" on their children by frequently delivering messages about masculinity or femininity. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert now. writers.Get a Custom Essay Throughout the article, Politt implements the use of rhetorical devices to help him present his argument. The author uses ethos when she presents her experience with the Barbie gift at a party. This personal anecdote establishes credibility to support her argument about the overwhelming gender messages children constantly receive. The author's memories of this event are used to convince the reader through first-hand experience. Pollitt uses this memory to also appeal to our emotions by expanding on the apology the mother makes to the birthday girl's mother. She uses pathos to emphasize how the mother apologizes for the Barbie doll, who follows the gender norms set by society. This makes the intended audience feel guilty about giving sexist gifts and understand the implications they have on children. The implementation of these two rhetorical devices plays a key role in the unveiling and..