A 5-year-old's choice of Halloween costume stirs international controversy

A mother's decision to allow her 5-year-old son to dress up as a female cartoon character for a preschool Halloween party has lit up the blogosphere. Her account of the negative reaction and disapproving looks she received from some parents so far has generated more than 3 million page views and tens of thousands of comments from across the globe.

From the Today Show

It's a flippen costume.  Give it up people.  Even if it is some more, let kids be kids.  Stop teaching Hate.

Boo's mom only had a few moms at his school who voiced their opposition.  Most were supportive.  But I thought the Today Show did a nice job.  I kind of cringed when they introduced the therapist but he was okay.

There will always be phobes and there will always be people who manipulate them.  But it is refreshing to see more and more people are not getting their shorts in a bind.  In the poll they took on the Today Show website, over 54% said they had no problem with boys dressing up however they want for Halloween.  I'm sure the numbers would be different if it was outside of Halloween but there's little doubt society is easing their opposition to cross gender expression, at least when it comes to kids.

reading down that page, there is a poll, of course I just voted 

current results...

Total of 1,417 votes

24.7%
No, never.
350 votes

20.6%
Yes, but only on Halloween.
292 votes

54.7%
Yes, anytime he felt like it.
775 votes

I just voted also  Yes, any time he feels like it

To me, it wasn't an issue. It's Halloween and no one said that he couldn't dress as a female character. Those people who reacted negatively need to chill out and get a life.

Gennee

It seems, according to the way things have been going, the general public will be softened through the eyes of children.  When gays were being beaten up it didn't matter until it was kids.  When trans people crossed the gender lines it was totally taboo, until they saw kids doing it.

Some people commented that it was horrible the mom put her kid out there in public but it seems that's the only way they will ever get that this is not learned behavior but something that is at the core of who we are.  It's no different than having a scientific mind, a creative mind, being gregarious or being shy.  We see traits in newborns and know this is part of who this child is.  This is no different and it's our children that are opening the eyes and minds of the phobic that they refused to open before.

That's a very positive perspective Julie. Nicely thought out.