AN MSN survey question asked whether toys are going to remain popular among children, as if the onslaught of electronic devices might eliminate interest in traditional, less complicated toys. Maybe sort of a dumb question, maybe not. Sociological research.
The answer, of course, is never in a million years, or as long as american corporate capitalism reigns supreme, and the great marketing advertising propaganda machine hits on all cylindars, will toys lose popularity. Wven as we speak, toy popularlity soars. Maybe the cylindars of free marketed capitalism won't always fire, but you should see them now. Chances are you do, everyday.
The amount spent on advertising just for children's toys must be staggering, and therefore so must the amount spent on children's toys. The Disney Channel, and NIckelodeon on cable TV are an unending ad for toys.
The variety and creativity of today's toys is astounding, and you don't have to be a child to be interested, or to wish you were still a child. And a lot of the modern toys have a very traditionl look and feel about them. Board games, role playing, sparkle art, the whole works.
And of course the usual assortment of battery operated but not included. There seems to be an increasing tendency towards gender neutral toys, appealing to both genders. Violent toys are largely absesnt, although science fiction themes are apparent.
One toy in particular caught my eye. Its called "Doggie Doo", and it consists of a cute plastic dog out of whose butt comes cute plastic doggie feces. I swear I'm not making this up. Ask omeone who watches children's television.
An indication of enhanced interestin the realities of daily life by the younger generation? More clever madison avenue marketing? Both? Who knows, who cares....I'm just a bit pissed that i didn't get my very own doggie doo for christmas.
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