Ridiculing the Female Characters in Israeli Hebrew Children’s Literature – From a Gender-Oriented Stereotype to a Feminist Protest

Abstract

The differences between the genders and attitudes toward the feminine and masculine domains are already recognizable during early childhood. Blatant sexism can be distinguished in a number of Israeli Hebrew children’s books written several decades ago on the subject of the grotesque woman, and which have become classics still read in preschools. The women in these stories are described as bewildered, confused, and absentminded. Since these Hebrew literary texts are extremely popular among preschool teachers, this article firstly promotes awareness of the issue. Later, this article will suggest a new way of reading that will lead to deeper understanding of the messages and change gender-oriented stereotypes, common in the past, to a feminist protest of the present. Discussion and conversation with children regarding the essence of the gender-oriented viewpoint in shaping the grotesque woman, its motives, and other insights that can be reached through the figure’s activity, conversation, and behaviour, can serve as a tool for the development of a person capable of critical thinking, independence, and having values.