Posted on 07/03/2004 7:12:16 PM PDT by nuconvert
Yo, Joe! Collectors Want Iconic Soldier in National Toy Hall of Fame
Mike Branom/Associated Press
Jul 3, 2004
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) - G.I. Joe fans think it's about time the iconic action figure took its rightful place with the likes of Barbie, Silly Putty and Mr. Potato Head. The little soldier's absence from the National Toy Hall of Fame prompted something of a war cry this weekend at the International G.I. Joe Collectors' Convention in Lake Buena Vista, where triumphant shouts of "Yo, Joe!" gave way to "Why no Joe?"
"G.I. Joe has more name recognition than virtually any other toy in America," said Brian Savage, director of the G.I. Joe Collectors' Club.
G.I. Joe is marking the 40th anniversary of his debut, fittingly, on the same weekend the nation celebrates its birthday.
The toy, introduced by Pawtucket, R.I.-based Hasbro in 1964, was the world's first action figure, and towered over the tiny plastic or lead toy soldiers that preceded it. About 400 million G.I. Joe figures have been sold.
"We like to say G.I. Joe has saved the world a million times over, one back yard at a time," Savage said.
G.I. Joe is "an interesting landmark in American toy history," says Christopher Bensch, director of collections at the Strong Museum in Rochester, N.Y., home to the National Toy Hall of Fame.
Bensch, who oversees the nomination process, notes that a toy must reach icon status to be worthy of induction.
Twenty-eight toys have been inducted since the Hall of Fame was founded in 1998. It will take nominations into September, and two inductees will be announced Nov. 12.
And, tell the anti-war pansies to put it where the sun don't shine!
Back in 1969 the folks gave me one for my birthday. I took it as a personal insult that they gave me a doll. Not wanting to appear an ingrate I made the appropriate gestures, but that thing stayed in it's own "place of dishonor" unplayed with. Only later in life did people tell me that I picked up on the feminization of American males and was correct in resisting it.
But the later cartoons were cool.
My 9 year old son thinks GI Joe is tops. He knows it is representative of the brave men who have served this country so well. Anyone who feels victem of a feminine plot has issues. I'll refer you to Jimmy Neutron's buddy Sheen who said "It's not a doll! It's an ACTION FIGURE!!!".
Why is there a character named "Sheen"?
The next year they gave me the "Silver Knight" and his horse. I did like those for the armor and weapons, but they were still centered around a doll.
Any objections against toy guns? I must have dug a dozen BB's out of my hide and don't regret a moment of it. For some reason that never led me or any of my war-play buddies to ever consider a Columbine High type spree.
Chances are your son will be A-OK but I want you to know that public schools and societal attitudes conspire to screw him up.
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