teslashock
Geolectric
- Joined
- Oct 27, 2009
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- 7w6
Apparently some Swedish kids are suing Toys R Us for perpetuating gender roles and making kids feel like they are mandated to behave in a manner that parallels these gender roles. A Toys R Us catalog showing pictures of girls in princess costumes and boys in superhero costumes are among their many complaints.
Article Here
Upon initial contemplation, I find this to be pretty silly. Most girls enjoy playing with dolls and dresses, while most boys enjoy playing with GI Joes and legos. That doesn't mean that girls can't or won't play with "boy toys" or that boys can't/won't play with "girl toys." Or does it?
Thoughts?
Are the toys of one gender any better than the toys of another?
Is it "bad" to openly communicate gender stereotypes?
Is there something wrong with marketing tools aimed at stereotypes if the stereotypes are in place for a reason?
Do these kinds of marketing tools perpetuate stereotypes and make certain groups feel oppressed?
What kinds of potential negative consequences can come from stereotyping and marketing based on stereotypes, especially marketing aimed at kids?
Discuss.
EDIT: They filed a complaint, not a lawsuit... mah B, mah B. Most of the stuff I'm interested in discussing has nothing to do with the legality of the issue anyway though.
Article Here
Upon initial contemplation, I find this to be pretty silly. Most girls enjoy playing with dolls and dresses, while most boys enjoy playing with GI Joes and legos. That doesn't mean that girls can't or won't play with "boy toys" or that boys can't/won't play with "girl toys." Or does it?
Thoughts?
Are the toys of one gender any better than the toys of another?
Is it "bad" to openly communicate gender stereotypes?
Is there something wrong with marketing tools aimed at stereotypes if the stereotypes are in place for a reason?
Do these kinds of marketing tools perpetuate stereotypes and make certain groups feel oppressed?
What kinds of potential negative consequences can come from stereotyping and marketing based on stereotypes, especially marketing aimed at kids?
Discuss.
EDIT: They filed a complaint, not a lawsuit... mah B, mah B. Most of the stuff I'm interested in discussing has nothing to do with the legality of the issue anyway though.