Toy Op-ed Reflection- Luke
Luke Kirchner
Legend
For many years now, toy companies have separated their marketing strategies to target different sexes and especially kids. Do I think its a problem? Not really. Well, I understand that kids may feel like they can't express themselves because of social issues and other topics around the development of a child, but looking at this from a business standpoint, its great marketing and provides good revenue. While I don't believe that these large companies should influence how kids are raised and what they should like, I believe that the parents should be the largest factor in choosing what kids can and can not like, and should do a better job at deciding.
At the end of the day, a toy company is just only making a product. While these choices might seem sexist (Which they very well might be), it is only helping the company. Two product options are almost always better than just one option and while "gender-neutral" options may seem good for some kids, they will probably be bland, lifeless and unappealing to most children. Most companies make tons of money because this blue and pink stereotype already in place, so there might not be a need change it for them. Kids are the easiest age group to market to and these colors will only allow the company to make more sales- in the long run.
If a child feels left out or sad because they don't like their 'boy' or 'girl' toy options, it falls on the parents to comfort and nurture their child. Children at such an early age should not be pressured with social issues and developmental choices. A company is only making the product but should possibly have more options. Maybe in the future, an audience will rise for more 'gender neutral' toys. But time will only tell how this really pans out.
Legend
For many years now, toy companies have separated their marketing strategies to target different sexes and especially kids. Do I think its a problem? Not really. Well, I understand that kids may feel like they can't express themselves because of social issues and other topics around the development of a child, but looking at this from a business standpoint, its great marketing and provides good revenue. While I don't believe that these large companies should influence how kids are raised and what they should like, I believe that the parents should be the largest factor in choosing what kids can and can not like, and should do a better job at deciding.
At the end of the day, a toy company is just only making a product. While these choices might seem sexist (Which they very well might be), it is only helping the company. Two product options are almost always better than just one option and while "gender-neutral" options may seem good for some kids, they will probably be bland, lifeless and unappealing to most children. Most companies make tons of money because this blue and pink stereotype already in place, so there might not be a need change it for them. Kids are the easiest age group to market to and these colors will only allow the company to make more sales- in the long run.
If a child feels left out or sad because they don't like their 'boy' or 'girl' toy options, it falls on the parents to comfort and nurture their child. Children at such an early age should not be pressured with social issues and developmental choices. A company is only making the product but should possibly have more options. Maybe in the future, an audience will rise for more 'gender neutral' toys. But time will only tell how this really pans out.
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