Toy Peer Review
Erin, I have to agree about your critique on G.I. The toy is true to Barthes ideas of miniaturized toys reflecting the adult world. My thoughts on the G.I toy are that they are simply preparing young boys for war. If we think about the level of creativity and objectivity these toys are there isn't any. You're right, the only they are able to control with the G.I specifically is their pre-made outfits and the locations of their battle. The 1960's were obviously a time of warfare so what better way to make children involved, once again, but making them accept the realities of wars. I think that if we take the time to really analyze children's toys many of them are true to Barthes ideas and even more are supporting gender roles. The G.I joe is a masculine toy, the solider is tough and ready for war! Very rarely did we and do we see little girls playing with these toys. Something to consider is the effect gender roles had on toys during that time period and even now with moe current toys. Another thing that supports Barthes ideas with this toy is the advertisement, it's marketing the product by describing it as, "a fighting man." I'm not sure how I feel about toys supporting gender roles. Gender roles are something that's been around since before children were born, when parents were painting pink nurseries for girls and blue for boys. Years later, when the kids are past their toddler years gender roles are still effecting them. I didn't play with G.I Joe's when I was younger. Why would I? I'm a girl. Just as I'm sure he didn't play with Easy Bake Oven's. It seems these gender roles will always effect our youth. Even today toys are miniaturized for gender roles. Kids now are playing with kitchens and toy trucks still. Although we have to acknowledge a lot of toys going against the gender roles, like Doc McStuffins. A female doctor that's extremely popular right now. Not only is she female, she's black...a minority. Even better!!!
