|
Some toys help children play together. Other toys
teach them new things. But some toys are for fighting. Such toys
teach children to accept a militarized world. They teach children
that people who look or think differently should be defeated and
that war and killing are acceptable ways of dealing with conflict.
They create the impression that might is right, and in doing so,
denigrate kindness, conciliation, cooperation, skill, and thoughtfulness
toward others.
The topic of war toys and games is a family concern.
This pamphlet has been created in an effort to assist parents and
children in working together to discover alternatives to war toys.
Playing is fun. When children play together
they learn
- Each person can do different things
- Each person is important and has something
to contribute
- Each person has rights, not just the strongest
or the biggest
- To share toys
- To solve arguments by taking turns, by asking
another person t decide, by changing the rules
But when children
play war games they learn to
- Create two sides, "ours" and "theirs"
- Solve arguments by fighting
- Use guns and other war equipment as toys
- Praise and reward the use of violence and
physical strength
- Start fights and make enemies
- Pretend people don't suffer and die in a war
- Make war seem like an Okay thing to do
- Make boys seem more important than girls.
WHAT ARE WAR TOYS?
War toys are playthings, which are used to solve
conflict, gain power, or win through the use of violence. Their
aim is to wound or kill. (Swedish Play Council)
WHY ARE CHILDREN ATTRACTED TO WAR TOYS?
One of the many reasons why war toys appeal to
children is that they don't require skill or practice. Learning
to read or play the piano, for example, are much greater challenges
and demand more work.
Another reason children like war toys is that
they offer them an outlet for aggression. Such feelings are perfectly
normal. It is important, however, that aggression be expressed in
non-violent rather than violent ways.
WHAT CAN FAMILIES DO ABOUT WAR TOYS IN THE HOME?
Families can talk about what happens when children
play war games. It is really important that children know what really
happens in a war. People are hurt and killed. Games, television
shows, and movies using guns seldom show the real effect of what
violence does to people. It is not all right to hurt others or pretend
to hurt others.
Some creative suggestions for ways parents and
children might deal with their war toys are
- As a family, talk about attitudes and feelings
toward war toys and offer suggestions for alternative toys and
games.
- Change the rules of war games to make them
cooperative so that everyone wins.
- Refuse to buy war toys for others and learn
how to give them back when you receive them. For example, if someone
gives you a war toy as a gift, write: "Thanks a lot, Aunt
Mary, but I don't like to play with toys like this. Would you
mid if I got a ______ instead?"
- Ask others not to bring war toys into your
home.
- Make up a television viewing schedule that
eliminates violent shows or shows sponsored by war toys companies.
- Convert military toys into civilian toys. For
example, GI Joe could become Builder Joe, by designing new clothes
and tools for him.
- Create "No War Toys Zones" in your
home, church, school, and other places of interest.
When families discuss the problem of war toys,
it is important that all family members be present. Parents should
be aware of societal stereotypes, which place boys and men as defenders
of a passive family. If the father or male caregiver is not present
at the family discussion, the family receives an unspoken message
that peace is a woman's role and war a man's.
FURTHER SUGGESTIONS FOR
FAMILY ACTIVITIES
As a family, seek out and learn to play games,
which are nonviolent, active, and fun. The New Games series is an
excellent resource for gathering ideas (see next page).
Spend some time as a family becoming involved
in one or more activities that involve helping or caring for others
in the community. For example, a family may set aside one Saturday
morning a month for mowing others lawns, weeding gardens, visiting
shut-ins, etc.
Engage in a family role-play, which addresses
the question of how children might respond when invited by friends
to play "war."
As a family, draft a letter to war toys manufacturers,
cartoon producers, and others promoting militarism to children and
tell them how you feel.
Encourage clergy, teachers, and others in your
community to address the topic of war toys and inform others of
the adverse effects such toys may have on children.
* * * * *
If people care
about the children of the world and about the planet the children
will inherit, they cannot ignore the way children play or the
toys they use.
When consumers
but peaceful toys and support nonviolent movies and television,
they will find that producers will follow the lead of the market
place and produce more acceptable products.
RESOURSES
McGuinness, Jim and Kathy. Parenting for
Peace and Justice (New York: Orbis Books) 1985.
Orlick, Terry. The Cooperative
Sports and Games Book (New York: Pantheon) 1978.
Catalogue of Cooperative Games (Family Pastimes, RR4 Perth, Ontario
Canada K7H 3C6) (613) 267-4819, e-mail: fp@superaje.com
* Beekman, Susan and Jeanne
Holmes. Battles, Hassles, Tantrums, and Tears: Strategies for Coping
with Conflict and Making Peace at Home.
* Kreidler, William J.
and Sandy Tsubokawa Whittall. Early Childhood Adventures in Peacemaking,
2nd ed.
* Lewis, Barbara. Kids'
Guide to Social Action.
* Can be ordered from
Educators for Social Responsibility, 23 Garden Street, Cambridge
MA 02138 (617) 492-1764
|
