Henry's Toy Op-ed Reflection

Henry Quillin
Mr. Roddy
IHSS
10 - 1 -18
        Toys are something that we have all used. They have helped shape not only our childhood, but who we are today.  Whether we realize it or not, toys are extremely gender oriented. There is a distinct line between toys that are meant for boys, and toys that are meant for girls. Girls are expected to play with "feminine toys", and boys are expected to play with "masculine toys". Toy companies are making tons of money off of these stereotypes. Toys that are very pink and glittery, like barbie for example, are very appealing to girls. Many girls like these kind of toys, but many also may want to play with toys that aren't super pink and "girly". This may be even worse for boys, because boys are pressured to be masculine, and will be heavily judged if they wear or play with anything feminine. So many boys just play with toys like nerf, because why play with other things that would just get them teased and bullied? To try not to just market to boys, but also girls, Nerf decided to make some products designed for girls. These Nerf guns were super pink and glittery, and had only girls in the commercials. While many would think that this is a good thing, girls being able to play with more masculine products, I think that it only emphasizes how girls can only play with pink and glittery toys.
        One product that I truly believe is gender neutral is Lego. Legos are used by both sexes and encourages kids to be creative. But recently Lego have been making lego sets designed for girls. And this is where girls will start to feel like they should be playing with the girly legos.
       This is a problem that needs to be changed, so that boys and girls can play with what they really want to play with, without getting teased or bullied for it.

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