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| This word cloud was made from listening to tv commercials for boy toys and girl toys. Can you guess which word cloud goes with which gender? Bet you can. The size of the word indicates how frequently it was used. The bigger the word, the more often it was used. |
What do you think about the idea that there should be no advertising directed at children? Do you think that gendered toys and advertising change children's ideas about what is possible for them professionally? Check out this article about the effect of gendered toys on children's education:
Playing Fair?
Do you think it's possible that the lack of technology, science, and building-based toys effects how girls perform in school? Do you think that boy's toys limit their potential? What would happen if the messages sent to boys and girls via toys and advertising were mixed up? Find out by playing this game:
Gendered Advertising Remixer
What is your intuitive response to mixing up these advertisements? Do you find them ridiculous or enlightening?
THE ASSIGNMENT
As a comment below, write TWO paragraphs about what you think about gendered toys. This comment is DUE at the start time of your next class with me. Please make sure to include your name as it appears on the roll.
Playing fair is a very great article. Also, the video describes many differences about boy and girl gendered toys. I think that the commercials are creative and suitable for each gender. But, for the boys, some of these commercials display that they have to be competitive, powerful, conquering, and in control. These behaviors shouldn't be shown to children at this age. The girl gendered commercials lack the creativity and skills they need to do more more things that males are good at. These commercials teaches kids how to get by easy in life instead of making them use every physical aspect to create a toy are building one.
ReplyDeleteI would say that the lack of technology, science, and building-based toys effects how girls perform in school. In my opinion, boy toys influence their potential, because it shows them how to put things together and master how they work. From playing this game if via toys and advertising were mixed up, then boys and girls would gain what they are lacking from each gender. I think that more of these mixed advertisements should be played. I find these advertisements enlightening.
I think that playing fair is a well done article but it is fighting a losing battle. I think that the article is using circumstancial advertising to prove their points. The publisher of this piece is also asking for government to impede into the world of advertising. There is nothing wrong with raising awareness about the science behind their claims, but it is out of the question to ask corparations to make socially conscious decisions.
ReplyDeleteThe education and ultimate decison lies with parents. If the parents dont have the time or skills to teach their own children socially responsibly behavoir then who does? The meessage seems to be taken out of context.An advertiser is at an advantage if it can find an angle that plays on the emotions of the target audience. This country may have a much larger issue if children are raised by televison instead of positive role models in their everyday lives.
I think that this article can be right in some situations. The commercials intended for boys encourage many qualities that i feel men use on the daily. They display that boys should be powerful and competitive. I agree with the publisher's opinion about the commercials, but i don't see a problem with it.
ReplyDeleteAs the owner of a business i should not be concerned with raising America's children. My job is to appeal to my audience at all cost. I feel that parents are going to have to talk to there kids and give them a better understanding about the way they should live. Telivision isn't responsible for the lack of role models.
Burnett King
I think the author of the Toys and Gender article has some underlying issues. Yes, gender specific advertising is somewhat sexist, but, businesses are supposed to find creative ways to market their products so they can make the biggest profits. There is nothing wrong with showing big trucks ang big guns for boys and more softer appealing items for girls. Since, what appeals one does not mean it will appeal to all.
ReplyDeleteNext, parents should ultimately decide and influence how their childern receive and interpet advertising. Also, they should help their childern pick out toys that meet their childern specific needs. This article does not talk about parents at all. Parents are supposed to be the most important influences in their children's lives.
Raykita Demoine' Coleman
ReplyDeleteThe video shows many differences between girl and boy toys. I feel that the article "Playing Fair" was very true in many aspects. I think the articles was true mainly when it stated,"The packaging is geared towards either boys or girls by colour, wording and the images portrayed on them. This creates the impression that certain toys are just for boys and others just for girls, and so some toys are completely out of bounds." I think its true because if a father and son went into a store, the father would not purchase his son a toy in a pink packaging because it would be assumed that the toy is for little girls. Advetisers are at an advatage in the way they can appeal to children.
The commercial is intended to encourage things that boys do everyday. I think the resposibility of teaching children lies in control of parents and it should't lie soley responsible in television but it definately did a good job at raising awareness.
The article, Playing Fair, brought out some very interesting points. When toy manufacturers create and make toys they normally create trucks and cars for boys and doll babies for girls. When a girl walk in a store, they would pick out a baby doll and when a boy walk in a store, he usually goes for trucks. A good example of this is a bicycle. A bicycle is for both boys and girls, but the difference is the way the bike is designed. Why do we put a limit on what a child plays with?
ReplyDeleteShould the parents follow the rules of the toy maker and program their children to play with certain toys depending on their gender? Parents should monitor their children when playing with toys, regardless of what toys they decide to play with. As parents, we should not allow advertising to set examples for our children. Manufactors only make the toys, we as parents buy the toy and children play with the toys. Children take what they see in everyday life and act upon it through playing with toys.
Russia Coleman
I think that gender toys are suitable in every aspect. I feel that yes there should be different commercials to promote the two, as well as if the toy can be used by both genders. It is safe to say that it is inappropriate for a boy to play with a baby doll. Even though, girls on the other hand if they decide to play with toys that are originally played with by boys it isn’t that big of a deal. When a girl plays with a toy, such as legos it demonstrates her creativity as far as wanting to build things. As to when a boy plays with nail polish he is stepping out of his character.
ReplyDeleteI also feel that the lack of science, technology, and learning based toys do affect the way a child performs in school. If children are introduced to more advanced toys at an early age, then it will enhance their ability to catch on faster in school. Toys that are introduced to children will have an effect on their lives when choosing a career path. I believe that it is no such thing as to introducing something to a child to soon. I feel that children, both sexes, should be introduced to technology as a baby so that they can grow with the technology. In the world there is constant change so, more technical toys can help them to grow with society.
Gender stereotyping occurs when manufacturers purposely creates and market a toy for a specific gender. In the 1970s educational researchers studied the effects and the tendencies for girls to play with dolls and for boys to play with cars. Researchers also found that the way girls played developed their communication skills and their emotional literacy; while boy toys encouraged them to be more technical.
ReplyDeleteAdditional studies have shown that children age three to five years old are starting to become aware of gender differentiation with them and in the toys they play with. Parents are the first educators and they have a lot of influence over the way their children play. Along with the parents’ influence and the study of researchers, the message is clear that boys should be making things using their hands and solving problems and girls should be more caring and nurturing.Although the theory is proven it does not mean that it is correct for manufacturers to stereotype during manufacturing of a product. Just because we may feel that dolls are for girls does not mean that our view should be swayed upon the children. Products should be manufactured in a way that they stimulate both genders. By giving the consumer a choice without the push in a specific direction would make a well rounded individual. For example Legos are proven to help develop hand-eye coordination and motor skills, color recognition, patience and self-esteem. The makers of Lego have found that girls enjoy the toy in different ways and they are exploring new avenues and markets to target the population.
Nevertheless, children should possess both the qualities of a caring and nurturing, as well as technical in knowledge. If both genders were stimulated equally to be creative in thought, it would make a greater generation. Just as the maker of lego aim their toys to stimulate the creativity in both boys and girls. More makers of toys should explore the possibility of gender natural mind stimulating toys and they should not stereotype when marketing their products.
I think that there should still be advertisement directed toward children as long as the toy is for both sexes like legos. Toys of that type are both fun and educational. I also think that gendered toys and advertising change children's ideas about what if possible for them professionally. Young girls are taught to play with dolls, make up, and playing dress up. While boys get to build stuff with their hands, being super heroes. It is unfair that boys get to be powerful and intelligent while girls are taught to be mothers and how to be pretty.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree with the fact that the lack of technology, science, and building-based toys effects how girls perform in school. I think if girls played with cars and were able to build stuff like boys do they would feel more intelligent, powerful, and more confident. If boys played with dolls I think they would grow up to be more caring, sensitive, and how to be a parent. I think it's more of the parents fault than the advertising companies. Since parents are the first educators, they are the ones who get to choose what their kids play with.
Stereotyping is very mental thing coming into toys in these generations from back in time when thats what they use to do is build and learn. If you look as it as its brainwashing them with bad things and developing a corrupted toy maker then just shut it down like it said that other countries have done.But I feel you can make that a positive way to your children just depends how you teach your children.
ReplyDeleteGender toys is not a big deal on how shows women and men because women are here for the man really. Its good genetically that the women are smart, but they are suppose to be house women and everything else. An the man is suppose to be the protector and the warrior of the household and have the knowledge and all above. But the way everything is now its everybody for self and just having jump arounds.
ReplyDeleteI think the article had some interesting points. I actually never paid any attention to the toys in the manner this article brings it out. I think the boy toys are good and give them some constructive insight on growing up and being useful. Teaching them how to work hard to accomplish things. I thought the toys for boys were good and has a positive learning tool. I am glad that the gender toys is not teaching boys, how to be girls. Even though there are somethings that both genders should be capable of doing.
ReplyDeleteI think girls should be taught how to be a homemaker. She should know how to do lady things and be poised. On the other hand, I think there should be other toys that teach them how to be handy. It is not guaranteed they will meet prince charming and not do some labored work. I also think that toys should not teach girls how to be masculine.
Morgan Brenton
ReplyDeleteI thought that the article "Playing Fair" had a good argument but i have some disagreements with the article. First, although advertisers aim their advertisements at certain genders it is ultimately up to children to determine what interest them. A boy might want to play with a barbie doll if thats what appeals to that boy. If a girl wants to play with hot wheels thats up to her.
I also think that the toy a child plays with has to do with their surroundings. I girl might be more interested in boys toys if she grows up around her dad more than her mom. Parents are the ones buying the toys for their children. Parents are also the ones who make the environment for their kids, which also has a factor in the interest of a child.
Akkai Coleman
ReplyDeleteI feel that toys do not have to be gender oriented. Every boy or girl should be able to play with them all. It will only further stimulate there mind and the ability to better comprehend life. But if they only know one side of the gender roles it can limit them in some areas of the real world.
This information allowed me to see that the world is still trying to put a limit on what boys and girls can do. But I feel that that should not exist any more due to all the new jobs and fields. But by mentally hindering children at an early age they rarely dare to see what else they are capable of. In any case this will still go on for years to come.
I think that the advertising does change a childs wants for a toy. I also think that in social sence if a girl sees a boy toy appatise on tv she wont be influenced to want that toy. Same as if a boy sees a girl toy appetise on tv he would want the girl toy. From my perspective, gender toys are not a big deal. If a girl want to play with a big truck and toy men then let her play with them. Gender toys doesnt change anything.
ReplyDeleteWhen i was a young kid growning up in the world i loved playing with toy trucks an fighting on the floor with the toy men.With that being said i still didnt grow up wanting to become a boy. i think that the article had a good argument but at the same time its not true.children should be able to play with wateva toy they want to play with, whether its a pushing a big truch or combing a doll hair.
I think that the advertising does change a childs wants for a toy. I also think that in social sence if a girl sees a boy toy appatise on tv she wont be influenced to want that toy. Same as if a boy sees a girl toy appetise on tv he would want the girl toy. From my perspective, gender toys are not a big deal. If a girl want to play with a big truck and toy men then let her play with them. Gender toys doesnt change anything.
ReplyDeleteWhen i was a young kid growning up in the world i loved playing with toy trucks an fighting on the floor with the toy men.With that being said i still didnt grow up wanting to become a boy. i think that the article had a good argument but at the same time its not true.children should be able to play with wateva toy they want to play with, whether its a pushing a big truch or combing a doll hair.
The idea that there should be no advertising directed at children is absurd. Advertising is meant for the consumer and is supposed to appeal to those persons. Advertisements should continue because there is no harm done, seeing that our society has already come to accept these ideas. Yes, children watch these advertisements but parents form the gender roles of their children. These gendered toys do not change the children's ideas about what is possible professionally. Children of those ages dream big regardless of an advertisement.
ReplyDeleteLack of technology, science, and building-based toys does not have any effect on a girl's performance in school. Technology is advancing at a much more rapid pace than society can handle. I do not believe that boy's toys limit their potential but rather help to shape or mold critical thinking skills. They also promote teamwork as well as competitiveness that is needed to survive in the world today. When the messages were mixed they were to me ridiculous because it had no relationship with the commercial.
Advertising directed toward children should only be viewed with parental supervision.Under age children may have a negative opinion about the commercials.Some advertisement can be misleading to children and may limited their abilities.Playing fair article was informative,because it showed the viewer that boys and girls have different toys.However boys do not have to be powerful or in control,and girls do not have to bake or play with dolls.Advertisement can sometimes be misleading that is why parents should educate their children and not leave it up to others to educate for them.
ReplyDeleteMixing up the advertisement is ridiculous,because it shows the viewers that boys and girls have to play with toys made only for him/her.Most of all advertisement most stop stereotypeing.However parental supervision will help our younger generation not advertisement.
ReplyDeleteI think that the lack of technology, science, and building-based toys could possibly affect girls' performance in school. I do not think that it will be a drastic affect though because I think they will eventually learn the necessary things under each of those topics. I think that direct advertisement to the youth changes their way of thinking toward certain things and situations. I feel that if direct advertisements to youth are not removed from television then they should be monitored by parents and guardians.
ReplyDeleteI don't feel that mixing up the advertisements will be a useful tactic because if they're targeting a younger audience they may only confuse the child. I do not feel the advertisements should be mixed up but maybe incorporate more of the other gender into the advertisements. I do think that some boy toys limit their potential especially when it comes to being loving and nurturing. In some cases that is but not all cases.
First of all this article is exactly what is going on in our society today. I do believe that there should be no advertising directed to children because it gives then a fix sense of how there future would be professionally. Boys a taught to be strong, powerful, fighters, and competitive. Girls are taught to be beautiful, nurturing, caring and domestic.
ReplyDeleteI think it's possible that the lack of technology, science, and building-based toys effects how girls perform in school because they may automatically go to school thinking that science and technology is not for them which is not true. I don't think that boy toys limits there potential in school but i do feel like it limits them emotionally. Boys toys usually show no emotions but they are more on the hard tough side. I don't think that mixing up these advertisements is ridiculous I think that it would teach children of both sex about each other and how the different sexes behave.
This article is real to me. i don't have any kids, but enough cousins to relate to. I think there should be no advertising directed to children it still doesn't chang what a child wants to play with. a gender of a child does not stop a boy from playing with a girl toy, or a girl from playing with a boy toy. A kid is going to be a kid.
ReplyDeleteI feel that the lack of science, technology, and learning based toys does affect the way a child performs in society. If kids play with toys at an early age, then it will enhance their ability of learning. Parents should watch their children when playing with toys, no matter what toys they decide to play with. Boys are made to be tougher then girls. I find these advertisements enlightening
Rene Yost said....
ReplyDeleteI just believe that all youth's should just flat out live out there childhood. Who cares about discrimination and what people think about you. We played marbles all day as a youth and couldn't no one tell us we was having the time of our life.
Main point is to let the children live don't fill there head with future profiles of what they would be due to a toy. Life is going to affect them way more than any toy. I lost my childhood as a youth when i had to take over my house and i pray my children won't have to do the same.