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Breaking Boundaries: How Generation Alpha is Redefining the ‘Tomboy’ Label in the Philippines

Written by: Felice Amer Mera

The idea of what it means to be a “tomboy” is always changing. Researchers took a closer look at how Gen Alpha (kids born after 2010) sees tomboys, and their opinions were influenced by media, culture, and how society is evolving. The term “tomboy” is often misunderstood and sometimes mixed up with other gender or sexual identities, but it’s an important part of Filipino culture.

How Media Shapes the Idea of Tomboys

Movies and TV shows play a big role in how young people see gender. One participant said they first saw tomboys in Filipino movies like Girl, Boy, Bakla, Tomboy and Must Be Love. But in those films, tomboys are often shown as lesbians, which can create confusion. “The word ‘tomboy’ is used loosely, mixing gender and sexuality,” said an expert. This can make it hard for people to understand the difference between the two.

Another participant added, “Media affects how people think about tomboys, usually showing them in funny or sidekick roles.” This is different from how some global shows do it. For example, Wendy Corduroy from Gravity Falls and Amethyst from Steven Universe mix masculine and feminine traits, showing that being a tomboy can mean being yourself, not fitting into one box.

What Gen Alpha Thinks About Tomboys

A lot of Gen Alpha participants said they think tomboys have a unique style, like wearing hoodies and baggy clothes. “A tomboy is a girl who dresses like a boy,” said one participant. But some also tied the term to masculinity or even being a lesbian, showing that family and society still have an influence on these perceptions.

Still, younger kids are more open-minded than older generations. “My friends think tomboys are cool, and their style is awesome,” said one participant. Even though things are improving, some participants still hear negative comments from family members or teachers, which reflects older, more traditional views.

The Push for Inclusion

Experts and participants agreed that people need to be educated about what it means to be a tomboy. “We have to separate gender from sexuality and let people express themselves however they want,” said a researcher. Media can help by showing more realistic and positive portrayals of tomboys and breaking old stereotypes.

As Gen Alpha grows up, their changing views on gender and identity give us hope for a more accepting future. By showing diverse characters in media and raising awareness, we can make sure that being a tomboy is celebrated as a way to express who you are, free from outdated labels and judgments.

References

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