Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Gender Bias

Speculation is rampant. Stephanie and The Corpus Christi Faction (not a band) has decided Number 5 is a girl; Team Austin has decided it's a boy. No word yet from Wilmington, Anderson, Evansville, Chicago, or Boulder. We'll bring you updates as reports come in from the field.

It's amazing how much pressure exists in the modern mini-human marketing model to pre-determine gender for the purpose of the Best Shopping Experience. How did retailers exist before the invention of high-resolution ultrasound imaging? (1964, if you care. There's quite an interesting history.) Everything from bed coverings to stroller cup holders come in clichéd colors. Why limit this choice? Why must things have such a subconsciously-enforced predilection towards pink and blue? There are amazing things waiting to made in green, purple, yellow, red, black, white and colors without name. Colors upon colors. Colorlessness even! But, no. "Pink or blue, sir?" the sales lady asks, politely. She doesn't care.

How did people handle this before widely-available, highly-accurate sonograms? Like this. It's a beautiful blanket, appropriate for anyone, much used, fondly remembered, and timeless. Behold!



So, I say to you most politely, and most respectfully of your time kindly looking for gifts for Number 5, in Stephanie's words: we're not having a boy or a girl: we're having a surprise. It's the way the creatures of this world have done for billions of years. The magic of the moment of birth will be undiminished by concession to concessions. Baby Gap will not force our hands!

Stephanie and I greatly appreciate your patience.

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