Artifacts

I took these photos while I was shopping at target. I was walking by the toy sections and thought about the reading on artifacts. The toys in the different sections send messages about what boys and girls are supposed to do and how they are supposed to behave. For example, most of the toys in the girls section were baby dolls and accessories for the baby dolls. This sends the message to little girls that they are supposed to be nurturing and take care of babies. It also leads to the assumption that little girls will become stay at home mothers and that their role in life is taking care of kids and the house. I also noticed that the background on the girls’ toys was pink, which is a stereotypical color for girls. Most of the toys in the boys section were action toys. I walked down the aisles and saw many Legos, swords and action figures. This sends messages to boys that they are allowed and supposed to be more aggressive. It also provides boys with the opportunity to build and construct things (143-144). These toys invite boys to be competitive and active. I also noticed that the background of the boys section was blue, which is a stereotypical boy color. Also, because the toy sections are sex-segregated, it is sending the message that boys and girls do not normally play together and that they play with different toys. I think that way artifacts are sex-segregated is unfair. Not only does it point out a difference between boys and girls, but it also falsely teaches young kids what it is like to be a boy or girl. Through these toys, young boys learn that are supposed to be aggressive and competitive, whereas young girls learn that are supposed to be caring and nurturing. Boys should be able play with baby dolls and girls should be able to play with Legos and lightsabers. Normally boys who play with girls toys are looked down upon and called names such as “sissy” or “gay.” Girls who play with boy toys are usually told that they are being too aggressive and young ladies shouldn’t act that way. Why does society assign roles like these to boys and girls? If society got rid of these social rules and constructions, then anyone no matter their biological sex can play with anything they want without being made fun of or looked down upon.