Posted on 11/16/2001 1:22:48 PM PST by kattracks
(CNSNews.com) - It's no surprise that in the aftermath of Sept. 11, America's young boys are turning to a decorated war veteran to help them combat evil. Yet, G.I. Joe, the world's first action figure for boys, is taking heavy artillery from groups that claim the toy promotes violent behavior.
Toy maker Hasbro first debuted G.I. Joe in 1964 and named the action figure after the movie, "The Story Of G.I. JOE." Dubbed the "Real American Hero," he is representative of the brave soldiers that defend our nation's freedom at home and abroad.
Most recently, Hasbro introduced into the G.I. Joe collection a series of four Pearl Harbor figures commemorating the 60th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor; the first Hispanic figure; and Congressional Medal of Honor recipients Roy Benavidez and Audie Murphy.
So how could anyone find fault with G.I. Joe?
According to the Lion & Lamb Project's Executive Director, Daphne White, military action figures are "aggressive toys." The mission of the Lion & Lamb Project is to stop the marketing of violence to children.
That's news to G.I. Joe's parent corporation, Hasbro. "G.I. Joe has been a part of our culture for nearly 40 years and represents core American values - patriotism, honor and bravery," said Hasbro spokesperson Audrey DeSimone.
While DeSimone admitted not everyone has a favorable opinion of action figures such as G.I. Joe, she said Hasbro has seen a "steady increase" in G.I. Joe sales with both kids and adults over the past two years. White considers those sales figures alarming, especially if they are occurring as a result of post-Sept. 11 patriotism.
"Our message has always been, as far as children are concerned, violence is not child's play," White said, especially "when there is so much real violence going on in the world."
During this time of national crisis, it's important for kids to have role models to guide them, noted Jeff McIntyre, a federal affairs officer for the American Psychological Association. "They'll take role models out of whatever is available out there," he added.
But violent action figures such as G.I. Joe are not role models, said McIntyre. "At one developmental stage, it may just be a doll for the kid, but eventually they may begin to emulate that character and begin to do things that that character does. And, that will include violent action eventually."
McIntyre provided an example of such 'violent action' by young boys equipped with their G.I. Joes. "If he sees Osama bin Laden as bad, and that the way to deal with that is acting like G.I. Joe, then he may also interpret something else that happens in his life as 'bad.'" He summarized that boys may choose to resolve conflicts the "same way that G.I. Joe resolves situations -- and, that's going out and being more aggressive and committing more acts of violence."
"In and of itself," McIntyre noted, "G.I. Joe is not going to demonize the world." However, he said the "prevalence" of violent toys on the market "really does screw up kids and their ways of approaching conflict and the ways of dealing with any sort of struggle that they may have in their lives."
Hasbro's DeSimone rejected McIntyre's argument. "G.I. Joe, and action figures in general, enable kids to act out classic good-versus-evil scenarios and mission-oriented adventures, which is something they have done for generations."
McIntyre, in turn, does not believe the 'good-versus-evil' scenario is a valid reason for kids to play with G.I. Joe. He said kids learn the wrong lessons from "militaristic" toys including G.I. Joe, "that have violence as endemic to their character."
Kids tend to learn lessons from G.I. Joe and action figures that lead them to assume, "Oh, violence is the way that we solve those situations," McIntyre said. "And, that's not a very healthy response, especially for certain developmental elements."
"Problem solving, cooperating, getting along - I think that's the kind of world we would all rather have," the Lion & Lamb Project's White said. "I think most parents want to teach those values to their children."
DeSimone maintained it is up to parents to decide whether their children will play with G.I. Joe action figures. "Parents know their children best," she said, and what is "most appropriate for them."
Buy them for your daughters--so Barbie doesn't have to date that wimp, Ken.
Therein lies the problem, it represents American values. And Lord knows we can't have that kind of stuff 'round here.
Boonie Rat
MACV SOCOM, PhuBai/Hue '65-'66
For those who are interested in reading about real heroes, I suggest you read the citation about his actions.
On May 2, 1968, Master Sergeant (then Staff Sergeant) Roy P. Benavidez distinguished himself by a series of daring and extremely valorous actions while assigned to Detachment B-56, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, Republic of Vietnam.
President Reagan presented the CMH to Master Sergeant Roy P. Benavidez on February 24, 1981.
The text of Reagan's remarks can be found at:
http://www.reagan.utexas.edu/resource/speeches/1981/22481d.htm
Have a drink and a box of tissues nearby; it will leave you crying like a baby.
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