Would you take your son to Comic Con dressed like this?

[+ pitman]

I don't really care what costume Liev Shreiber's son wears, but I'd love to see Liev in his birthday suit!

[+ sync]

You changed my statement from "aware" to "prepare". I never suggested that comics replace parenting to comics. But, rather, parents should understand what messages they and their children are sending.

 

I gather you aren't a comic reader. Harley Quinn is treated poorly and in danger most of her life. Any one reading, and identifying with, the character understands that life is not comfortable and that people are stupid and mean. In that manner, yes, comics help "prepare" a child.

 

Harley Quinn is a conniver and ready to fight. The son, in the OP's situation, would be expressing his feelings that rules aren't fair and he's willing to break them, and fight (covertly and overtly) for what he wants.

 

So, yes, I am suggesting someone who identifies with Harley Quinn isn't the best candidate for a parent to directly forbid. That is, unless the parent wants to be defied and ignored.

 

Also, Comic Con, as with all of the gaming conventions, is all about expressing yourself and respect. I've seen guys dressed like Sailor Moon, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Leeloo. I've seen girls dressed as Hans Solo, The Joker, and Jughead. No one thinks it wrong. They judge the costume and how it is made, not the choice to wear it. Although the guy with the beard and belly as Sailor Moon made me question his sanity for different reasons. I mean... Blond hair with a dark brown goatee? Really!? This has nothing to do with cross dressing.

 

You should considering attending one. There are conventions across the US and around the world.

 

Thank you for the clarification and your thoughtful insights. With the understanding and appreciation that there is no one-size-fits-all application in ideology or practice to address children crossdressing, I'll leave this thread feeling I have gained some food for thought.