What Do Our Toys Say About Us?

In January the Economist ran a fascinating article about Playmobil, the German children’s toy company that produces small plastic figurines and a dizzying array of accessories and items children can use to build a world for them. The columnist suggests that the toys we choose to purchase for children say something about who we are as a nation or culture. Certainly, toys throughout history, from Noah’s Ark to Barbie, have played an important role in transmitting values, traditions, and culture (for good or bad!) to the children who play with them. Which raised questions about what this recent addition to Playmobil’s offerings says about life today.

What do you think about Playmobil’s airline security checkpoint toy? Are there other toys that are particularly reflective of where society is today, or where it has been in the past? What were your favorite childhood toys, and how have they affected your values or personality?

Photo by flickr user nedrichards, used under a Creative Commons license. Hat tip to Eduwonk.