What’s Fox Thinking?

I was suspicious of the Fox Family Channel’s announcement that it will be launching two companion networks, the Boyz Channel and the Girlz Channel, “slated to carry gender-specific programming for 2- to 14-year-olds” (Morning Report, Oct. 28).

What, pray tell, is “gender-specific programming”? We’ll wait and see, but I’m concerned that this approach only serves to reinforce to young people sex-role stereotypes that breed sexism and homophobia in adulthood. What exactly is “boys’ programming”? Shows with violence, guns, womanizing, car chases and reptiles? What is “girls’ programming”? Shows about passivity, dependence, appearance, domestic chores and flowers? What message does this send to kids?

KEN HOWARD, Los Angeles