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."
"“The pacifist is as surely a traitor to his country and to humanity as is the most brutal wrong doer."
Theodore Roosevelt
"The initiation of violence to enforce one's will upon another is an abomination, but pacifism in the face of evil is a crime against Man, nature, justice and reason."
Ward Dorrity
[Unfortunately, kattracks, don't mean to complain, but you somehow omitted the rest of Ms. White's quote; something I'll take it upon myself to rectify, with your approval] "........but then again, I have the I.Q. of a rutabaga and wouldn't know a little boys' mind or wants if they grew teeth and bit me on my proper, tight little ass. In addition, I have issues with puppies and their sharp little teeth........."
Try THAT today in neighborhoods like the one I live in, where everyone's just a tad too prissy (yes, men included).
That movie is based on Ernie Pyle's writings and the title role of Captain Walker, played by Robert Mitchum, was based on my Uncle, Capt. Henry Waskow. Pyle wrote what was probably his most famous story relating the tale of Capt. Waskow's body being brought down the mountain by mule and of his troops saying goodbye to their Captain.
A great man. I had the honor of meeting him twice. I'm glad to see him get the recognition.
We were brought up to believe that the good guy ALWAYS wins. That was enough to make kids want to emulate the good guy.
The thing that has fostered violence is the moral relevance that's been going on out there. Understanding the bad guy's actions allowed kids to think a bad guy can get away with it.
Remind me to get little Tet some more ammunition in .308,8MM,and 7.62x54.
Posted as a Memorial Day tribute.
My past birthday, I opened a present from my oldest(5) and as I seen it was a G.I.Joe guy, she immediatly said..."You can play barbies with us now dad!! Trouble is, I have to wait to they get a little older before they catch the macho attitude and body language I puppet to G.I.Joe...get a good laugh from time to time from the wife if she's in ear shot, which makes it worth while.
They have "softened" the dolls face a bit from what he used to look like. I think that is as far as they should go. Taking the doll off the self?....screw these wimps. G.I.Joe will always have a place in our home for several reasons...
SR
If they are hitting a barbie doll at 200yrds, I would say they have achieved excellence. ;^)
SR
A distinct honor to be in the presence of a real hero. Those will be two memories that you should never forget.
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