Debbie Sterling, the creator of Goldie Blox. Credit Laura A. Oda / Contra Costa Times
Fair Play fans, you probably remember that when we’re not blogging, we’re working on a PhD in developmental psychology. You might also remember previous posts (also here) about Goldie Blox, a new engineering toy for girls. Looking at how Goldie Blox affects girls’ interest in and attitudes about science is actually my dissertation. Anyway, I got a little press (as a nameless graduate student) in this recent article, just reprinted in my hometown paper as well (!). Exciting news, and the reason we haven’t been blogging quite as dutifully lately. Don’t worry, there are all sorts of great things coming!
Welcome to Getting Reel! We decided we were writing enough about 
I have a lot of problems with Valentines Day. Valentines Day is not only a day of celebrating all things gender-unfair, via a hyped celebration of gender roles. It is also (perhaps even equally so) a day of consumerism. Adults spend a great deal of money proving to themselves they’ve realized their full and highest potential as (heterosexual) sentient beings by buying fancy gifts, dinners, lingerie, booze, and so on, for what is supposed to be the good of their relationship. Children are in on this action as well. It is expected that most children bring valentines to school (often the cardboard variety with Disney Princesses) to distribute to their classmates. These little cards often have candy or a treat attached but rarely much of a note. This whole charade in the celebration of gender roles. Now, if this all bothers you, you don’t have to celebrate Valentines Day. Certainly the choice to abstain is yours. But, can we fix it instead? I say yes, and yes we should.
