WATCH ABOVE: A California father recorded a video of support for kids to be able to choose any type of toys they want despite gender bias associated with dolls and action figures. Serene Branson reports.
A father in Ojai, California told his two sons in a YouTube video that he will love and support them no matter what their choices in life are, including wanting to own a Little Mermaid doll.
Mikki Willis’ four-year-old son received two of the same gifts for his birthday so the pair – along with Willis’ other son – went back to the store to exchange one of the presents.
“He is standing before a rack of dolls and he has one in his hand and he said, ‘This is what I want,’” Willis told KCAL9 News about his son’s decision to get a Little Mermaid doll.
It was at that moment Willis also noticed the reaction from other customers in the store.
“We noticed two ladies noticing the doll and then kind of craning around to make sure it was a boy, and I thought their reaction would be positive, but they look at each other and kind of roll their eyes,” he said.
Back in the car Willis wanted to make sure his son knew that his choice to play and own what many would consider a toy for females was okay.
READ MORE: Target to remove gender-based labels in toy, bedding aisles
In a minute long YouTube video posted on Aug. 23, Willis asks the camera while holding up Ariel the doll, “How do you think a dad feels when his son wants to get his?”
Both Willis and his son scream for joy saying, “Yeah! That’s how I feel!”
Willis then tells his two young boys to choose whatever they want in life because he will always accept them.
“Choose your expression. Choose what you’re into. Choose your sexuality. Choose whatever. You have my promise right now, both of you, as we sit in this car, this hot car in the parking lot, you have my promise forever to love you and accept you no matter what life you choose.”
And what did Willis’ son have to say about choosing the doll over another action figure?
“I wanted it because I didn’t have one of those, “ he said to KCAL9 News.
The YouTube video has been viewed more than 1,500,000 times.
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