SGdiaries

From Barbie dolls that idealize western beauty standards to action figures that glorify violence, toys subconsciously implant social inequalities before children even utter their first word. 

Toys and stereotypes

This might seem harmless at first. How could plastic trinkets that we discard progressively as we become more mature have such devastating and harmful consequences on our adult life. The truth is, as children, we absorb more information and adapt quicker than any adult, making our first years the most important ones in terms of the variety of information that we ingest. When social standards and restrictions are subtly embedded in our earliest environments, they shape our perception of the world;

Whilst the results vary depending on social categories such as gender or race, the consequences unconsciously ripple into adulthood. We reflect the values and principles that were presented to us and carry them out throughout our lives. 

According to an article written by a professor from California, the consequences  these thoughts have on our adult life can range from limiting job or education opportunities, due to our thought process being altered and manipulated from a very early age.

What is truly happening?

Globally, toys have had a major role in politics, they are used as a strategy for global influential nations such as the west, to hold more soft power. The global dominance of Barbie or western superheroes, create an idealistic idea of what these young children all around the world should aspire to become, whether it is with physical features, behavioral instructions, or even roles in life. Young boys are instructed to be courageous and physically strong whereas girls are taught to be obsessed with this idea of a perfect appearance. In many regions, especially those with a minimized media of their own, the west becomes a default. This can equally become diplomatic, by controlling what children look up to and how to behave, nations like the United States are able to have great influence across borders.

How is this relevant in the Singaporean context?

Singapore is a very special case, having citizens almost entirely composed of different cultures and traditions creates a natural hub where children and teenagers can each share their own traditions and what toys they used to play with as children. Children in Singapore do not grow up exclusively with global western toys and media. They equally incorporate traditional stories and culturally significant toys from all the cultures they grow up with. As they grow up children in Singapore have an overview of a vast majority of cultures all around the world. Giving the opportunity to learn cultural diplomacy, through toys and respect towards all of the cultures in Singapore. In this way the influence of toys and other plastic gimmicks are capable of making the world a better place starting from the first years of our life, as children. 

We can conclude by stating the fact that the influence of toys and all media that we consume as children is much greater than we tend to think. They are powerful tools that help children form their own identity as well as create a sense of belonging. From reinforcing harmful stereotypes to fostering cultural understanding, the effect toys have on people ripple into the choices and values we carry as adults. Recognizing this issue could give us a better understanding of how and why the world functions the way it does today, as well as the responsibility to filter the toys and media we present to the children of the future, ensuring they inspire inclusivity, curiosity, and respect. In doing that, we can shape not only the individual lives but also the collective future of our society.

Marie Martin