To not want my daughters' primary school to run a Nail Club (fingernail painting)?

[Bodkin]

It's one of the official after-school clubs. All the girls want to go. It's so popular they've had to limit it to years 5 & 6.

I've nothing against nail varnish, just think it's not a suitable primary school club and the time could be better used.

"Looking rough doesn't make you more intelligent/less shallow. In fact that can be a sign of low self esteem"

So if you aren't interested in painting your nails, or any other part of you, you look 'rough' do you

Fgs painting your nails doesn't make you stupid and shallow and no one has suggested that.

JenaiMarrHePlaysGuitar thanks. Wasn't sure if s/he meant 'ungroomed' rough or 'council estate' rough.

Of course not OrmIrian. But neither does it make you shallow, vapid or vacuous. It's just a bit of fun.

want2be, I'm from a gun country. I'm a good shot, for a girl I prefer to live without one though, even if others are carrying them.

I played with dinky cars and marbles, and climbed trees as a young girl. Now, I like to do my hair and make-up (and piss off the feminists). I'm glad for the feminist movement, but there is always a step too far. I love that I'm equal in my relationship and in employment opportunities. I'm glad those women went before me and fought for my right to choose, even if I reject the whole "burn your bra" thing. I love being a girl! I would hate to be a man.

Fanjo She can act like a woman and be girly. She will always have a choice of activities but that list will only include activities that we approve of. Nailpainting wouldn't be on that list but art, painting, woodwork, crafts etc would be and sports such as ballet would be activities we would be happy for her to partake in.

Would it be more acceptable if the club was called "Dispelling ridiculous judgements" club?

ComradeJing If receptionist and CEO are both female, then isn't the receptionist likely to have fancier nails?

Stuart456 - I really don't understand your point, please can you elaborate?

I guess that exactly encapsulates me objection to this. To look acceptable women have to fiddle with themselves - apply paint, pluck things etc. Women see their own bodies as a project - they turn inwards - boys are encouraged to turn outwards, to see the world as their project. They are still so young. I'm not surprised they want to do this - the media is full of images of gussied up women who look 'beautiful' because they have done their hair and nails and maybe 'had work done'. But that doesn't mean they should be encouraged to jump on the treadmill so young .

Does it matter hugely? No. Of course not, but it's a shame. IMO

want2be what about when she is 13 and wants to paint her nails?
What about when she goes to prom and wants a manicure!
What about when she wants to do dance and they are all glittery.

When do you stop dictating she must do woodwork instead of nails?

A lot of girls and women enjoy making themselves look good and usually it is for themselves. What is wrong with that?

CeliaFate

OrmIrian has just explained part of it better than I could.

I would have similar problems with a just-for-boys Gun Club if the school ran one.

But you are projecting that onto them OrmIrian. They may not think of it as
"To look acceptable women have to fiddle with themselves". They may see it as "These are really cool colours and it's fun"

Basically, nail club is unworthy because it's predominantly girls who are interested.

Great message

I wear make up - for me. I don't wear it all the time, it depends on my mood. Sometimes I'll choose red lipstick, sometimes pink, sometimes coral. Just as I would choose my clothes according to my mood, the occasion and how I felt. It doesn't have to have a sinister interpretation.

Best ban lego club then-only boys attend.

Be careful Celia you'll probably find that you are sending sexual messages with your colour choice : )

The issue I think most people have is that this club encourages young girls to begin to practice feminine grooming.

It's not just a bit of play or make believe or pretending... It's teaching and therefor learning that girls should do these things have to dress and look a certain way to get ahead in the world.

I know everyone says that they wear make up and heals etc for themselves and to make themselves look/feel better but that's because we're taught from a young age that looking a patriarchaly acceptable way gets you further in life.

I'd rather teach my kids that they can do this stuff if they wish when they are older but for them to understand why society expects them to do it.

If only I could crack the Patriarchy Colour Code of Conduct. Dammit, foiled again.

Well said, Stuart

Encouraging girls in primary school to paint their nails is horrible.

I hope to fuck the school my daughters go to would never put on a club that actively promotes putting on make up as an "activity" for female children.

It's not just "not beneficial" to offer this club. It's actively harmful. Even to the girls whose parents won't let them go.

Talk about low rent.

Who's telling them they have to do it? Boys? Men? Teachers? Nope - it's their own choice. THAT is what feminism is all about.

Fanjo she can use her pocket money any which way she wants. If she wishes to buy nail polish or go for a manicure then that is her choice. She will not however be doing these activities as part of afterschool clubs.

They use glitter here a lot for gymnastics. DD will be doing gymnastics and if she wishes to adorn herself in glitter for a competition then she can (but only if she does it outside as I am not cleaning it up).

If she did either I would be having a chat with her as I would be worried she might not be doing it for herself.

Oh for goodness sake people. Can you not see that it is your views that is making this an issue. Let them be kids and have fun.

CeliaFate

This is where the food analogy comes in.

My daughter doesn't get to eat sweets for every meal - even though she wants to. Being a girl doesn't make her judgement on the 'sweets for dinner' issue any sounder than it would if she were a boy of the same age.

She doesn't get to do things just because she wants to. The same would be true if she were a boy.

I'd say they're being "told they have to do it" by all kinds of things - like the "X Factor", Claire's Accessories, all that...