The article Miles of Aisles of Sexism by Hoffman demonstrates how toy stores are resistant to change and entrenched within the sex-role stereotypes and the bold adoration of war. As a result, boys are crushing, blasting, striking, and destroying during their playtime, while girls are diapering, clearing, and grooming (Hoffman, 2008). Further, aisles of girls’ toys are labeled with pale pink letters, while the names of the girls’ toys are in oval signs and framed in pink or purple. On the contrary, boy’s aisles are manifested with blue frames and green letters. Such a display of bias in gendered aisles promotes gender-based stereotypes.
Contemporary trendy toys and gadgets imitate societal habits, values, and the pursuit of stimulus. This way, children are introduced to ways that will ultimately affect their life and career choices. For instance, boys’ toys are cheered to show power and control through war and violent stimulation during playtime. Hoffman (2008) notes that this message is delivered to boys even through the packaging of toys where words such as peacekeeper and being superior defender are used. Packaging colors are different for both genders. According to Hoffman (2008), boys’ toys are packaged in red, black, and deep yellow to represent images of flames, while spiky letters in these packaging represent lightning, an icon for power and speed.
Girls’ aisles are stocked with vanity combs, nail kits, mirrors, makeup, and polyester hair extensions. Unlike in boys’ aisles, these focus on making the girl child trendy. Girls are always reminded to stop at makeup shops to attain this goal. The dominant colors in such stores are pastel, with the letters’ edges being smooth. Glitter is utilized in these packages where words such as princess, dream, kitten, and precious are common.
References
Hofman, S. (2008). Miles of aisles of sexism: Helping students investigate toy stores. Rethinking Early Childhood Education, 29-33.