This is a subject that always intrigued me. The effect that war toys have on children. Stumbling upon the old article unintentially brought it back to mind and also made me realize the question remains the same almost 50 years later. Though science fiction and fantasy subjects, and now games rather then toys are much more prevalent the focus remains the same 'war'.
Just a few observations: 1) Wars start just fine without them. 2) If they don't get them, kids often just make their own out of sticks, legos, etc. 3) They have been around a long time. We have probable surviving examples from the ancient period, and perhaps even into prehistory.
Yet, these things do not occur in a vacuum and must have some influence. Is it too small to matter much against the sum of everything else? Or does it have some effect? The author suggests it may predispose/prepare a child for war.
Just a few observations: 1) Wars start just fine without them. 2) If they don't get them, kids often just make their own out of sticks, legos, etc. 3) They have been around a long time. We have probable surviving examples from the ancient period, and perhaps even into prehistory.
Yet, these things do not occur in a vacuum and must have some influence. Is it too small to matter much against the sum of everything else? Or does it have some effect? The author suggests it may predispose/prepare a child for war.
