Legos are not just for boys anymore. This year, Lego introduced Lego Friends, little people who aren't just blue, red and yellow. These are female toys that wear pink, dresses and hair accessories. They have beauty shops, pet stores and ice cream shops to play in. Little girls around the world might finally be happy to have these toys that were once only geared toward little boys.
But were they? I played with Legos when I was little. Sure, my younger brother and male cousin had the toys. But never once did I think these toys were only for boys. I just thought they were lucky enough to have them and I was lucky enough for them to let me play with their Legos. I didn't think Legos were being sexist and only gearing their little pull-apart people toward boys.
But somewhere, women thought it was wrong. Little girls should have Lego people that looked and did things that little girls do. But they didn't make Andrea, Emma, Olivia, Stephanie and Mia budding scientists, lawyers or physicians. In fact, some women are protesting that these girls have female stereotypical interests. Others think they are scantily dressed. And yet others, think that these girls are too thin and that they are going to bring about eating disorders on five- to ten-year girls.
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When did toys become so controversial? When did every little toy have hidden meanings or messages that are going plagued a young child's mind? Why can't children, boys and girls alike, enjoy toys for what they are? Toys -- something to play with, something to invoke imagination and something to have fun with.
