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Who Thought This One Up?
By Dan Greenman

Monday, December 16, 2002

It seems that the government is now seeking the support of children in its war against Iraq. Proof: The Forward Command Post on sale at JC Penny for $44.99. This toy - essentially a doll house equipped with a one-foot-tall soldier figurine, toy military weapons and an American flag - is marketed towards children as young as 3 years old. It's being advertised as a "fully outfitted battle zone." Because, remember toddlers, it is un-American to not play U.S. Army vs. Saddam with your toys. This is surely going to be a popular Christmas gift this year. (http://www3.jcpenney.com/jcp/Products.asp?GrpTyp=PRD&ItemID=05b5baa&RefPa)

Matt Golding, senior marketing manager for Bandai America, had this to say about the toy: "Kids are smart, and they realize we are living in times where there are good and evil. Toys are a good way to let that out in a safe manner." However, the line between "good and evil" brings up a different issue. Consider parts of the world where children are brought up to believe that the United States is evil. As Stephen Cole, an American history professor at the University of San Francisco, put it, "How would Americans feel if a young Afghan child or young Yemeni had a burning and collapsing twin towers toy?"

To me it seems like a dangerous game to get young children involved in the glorification of war and international issues that even most adults don't fully understand.

If this toy sounds a little absurd to you too, feel free to send JC Penny a letter of protest: http://www.jcpenneyeservices.com/csrv/frm_customerservice.asp

Email Dan dgreenm1@ithaca.edu