Now Toy Companies are Evil

Move over big oil, big toy is next on the hated list. An AP story from the weekend says parents are actually writing letters to toy companies asking them to stop advertising directly to their kids. Unreal. Here's the nut quote:

The message: Please, in these days of economic angst, cut back on marketing your products directly to our children.

Isn't that one of the things kids look forward to every year? Getting to see what is new and cool? Was I the only kid who went through the toy catalogs (about 100 times) and circled every other item? Some more brilliance:

The letter-writing initiative was launched by the Boston-based Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, which says roughly 1,400 of its members and supporters have contacted 24 leading toy companies and retailers to express concern about ads aimed at kids.

"Unfortunately, I will not be able to purchase many of the toys that my sons have asked for; we simply don't have the money," wrote Todd Helmkamp of Hudson, Ind. "By bombarding them with advertisements ... you are placing parents like me in the unenviable position of having to tell our children that we can't afford the toys you promote."

Well, Todd, either get a second or third job or tell you sons "NO". Ever heard of taking control yourself? I'll wager anything Todd voted for the messiah. Who would have thought that big evil corporations are leading to better parenting. Fantastic! Stop spoiling your future liberal, Todd.

"If children are not aware of what is new and available, how will they be able to tell their families what their preferences are?" an industry statement said. "While there is certainly greater economic disturbance going on now, families have always faced different levels of economic well-being and have managed to tailor their spending to their means."

I like this response from the industry, but the first sentence is kinda dumb. That said, the statement should have ended with, "Stick that in your stocking, Todd."

"Parents have trouble saying no," said Allison Pugh, a University of Virginia sociology professor. She says parents often buy toys to avoid guilt and ensure their children feel in sync with school classmates.

Amanda Almodovar says she encounters such families in her work as an elementary school social worker in Alamance County, N.C., where homelessness and unemployment are rising. "I had one parent who said she'd prostitute herself to get what her child wants," Almodovar said.

Right on, Allison. Amanda, look at it this way. That "parent" was probably attracted to you and didn't have the courage to ask you out for a date. They were just judging your response. If you had responded, "Let me know when you do", then they would have known you were interested. Read between the lines, Amanda.

I do have the ultimate solution to this. Be an actual parent. Spend time with your kids. And TURN OFF THE DAMN TV.