Toy Op-ed Reflection - Justin Patera

                During our seminar, we talked about a lot including; how toys were influenced, how markets stereotype the different toys and what some “genderfluid toys” are. When speaking about a sociological theory and attempting to relate our conversation to one, I think it's best to relate it to the conflict theory. I believe this because a lot of what happens within these toy industries is about power in the market. They strive to put out ads on their toys regardless of how stereotypical they might be. A prime example of this is seen in Hasbro’s marketing for Nerf and Nerf Rebelle. Nerf typically features boys while Rebelle features girls. The guns are typically color-coded and seem to be very divided in terms of gender too. Although we don’t use toys throughout our entire life, I think we need to become more aware of the stereotypes and influences it can have on children. When we say to them something like, “Oh no you can’t play with that, that’s pink and only for girls.” It really affects and limits their views on what then becomes culturally appropriate, stereotypically speaking. However, there are other issues that may emerge with the concept of gender fluid toys. Kids will still be picked on for choosing to play with certain toys. The sad thing is, is that this will most likely always be an issue, regardless of what grown-ups or companies may imply. The viewpoint that they don’t have is that of a child, they don’t realize how ruthless and or harsh children can be to one another. Then again, opposing my previous statements, these things are slowly, but surely, becoming more accepted within society because of all the different movements within. All the LGBT movements have really changed how our society views different things. The same can be said for the toys children play with.  At the same time, all of this is happening, providers are beginning to come to these realizations and most are starting to adapt and change because of it.