In Katha Pollitt's essay "Why Boys Don't Play with Dolls," she responds to scientific research on the distinct preferences of boys and girls by explaining how children are constantly filled with messages about their gender roles. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why shouldn't violent video games be banned"? Get an original essayPollitt begins her essay by stating how we are told that gender preferences arise from genes, not social factors, and how feminism has not completely changed sex roles among children .. She counters these two statements by explaining how we don't need science to understand the differences between the two sexes and how feminism has only helped up to a certain point. Furthermore, she explains how the way adults treat their children is proof of 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. Explain the importance of these excuses by relating them to women's concern about their physical appearance. A woman's appearance matters a lot in society and the Barbie doll is an unreal representation of the female body. The essay then introduces the idea that feminist mothers describe a comical lack of interest in their children's sporting activities, but never discourage them from participating. Pollitt explains how feminist mothers don't go against their own morals and associate sports with a masculine characteristic in boys. The narrator adds how the culture never blames parents for any misstep in favor of their children. Pollitt introduces the paradox of the disappearing world of hierarchical sex roles and the pursuit of stereotypical gender norms that are coming to an end. The author explains how the average number of applicants to nursing school is now more or less balanced between both sexes. Pollitt explains that for every kid who follows a stereotype, there's another who breaks it or one who does both. The essay concludes by stating how adults in general, unconsciously or consciously, implement their own "agenda" on their children by frequently conveying messages about masculinity or femininity. Please note: this is just an example. Get a customized document from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Throughout the article, Politt implements the use of rhetorical devices to help deliver her argument. The author uses ethics when presenting her experience with the Barbie gift at a party. This personal anecdote lends credibility to her thesis about the overwhelming gender messages children constantly receive. The author, recalling this event, usually convinces the reader through direct experience. Pollitt uses this memory to also appeal to our emotions by expanding on the apologies that the mother makes to the birthday girl's mother. She uses pathos to highlight how the mother is apologizing for the Barbie doll, which follows the gender norms established 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 revealing and supporting the author's main claim.