Project 01

Link to the slide: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGeriyY2rA/B1fKCtYnS3nNipA01OC-jg/edit?utm_content=DAGeriyY2rA&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

Part 2: Select and answer one of the questions we discussed during the presentations in one or two paragraphs, no more. This question does not need to be one of your questions. When answering consider that you should agree or disagree, then explain your answer, and finally provide an example or evidence to support your answer. You can expand on something you already said during the discussion or something completely new that you understood after listening other perspectives.

Question: Do you think gender-neutral toy marketing is effective in breaking stereotypes, or do children naturally gravitate toward traditionally "gendered" toys?

Answer: From the reading Toys: Do They Really Have To Be Gender Neutral, I learnt a striking truth that despite some efforts toward gender neutral, toys today are more gendered than 50 years ago. This fact shocked me, but I still have to admit that it looks true. In daily life, I can clearly observe that girls’ toys are mostly dolls and 'beautiful things', often in pink or other colors traditionally associated with girls. In contrast, boys’ toys tend to be model kits and blocks. I believe this phenomenon origins from societal expectations and marketing. Gender stereotypes shape the way toys are designed. Girls may be discouraged from buying certain toys because they are considered "unsuitable for girls". Also, businesses, driven by profit, reinforce these gender distinctions in their marketing strategies. Gender-neutral toy marketing can help break gender stereotypes, but I don’t think it will be particularly effective. However, we can still make efforts in this area. When toys are marketed without gender labels, children are more likely to explore a wider range of interests rather than feeling restricted to dolls or trucks based on societal norms.

At the same time, I also want to discuss whether children naturally gravitate toward traditionally "gendered" toys. Looking at actual purchasing patterns, I believe that not only children but also adults tend to prefer 'gendered' toys. Biological differences may naturally influence individual preferences, but societal expectations play an undeniable role in shaping them. Therefore, I think gendered toys are influenced by both biological and social factors. Take Disney plush toys as an example. Popular IPs like LinaBell and StellaLou carry obvious gendered characteristics. However, it’s difficult to determine whether women inherently prefer these cute plush toys or if Disney intentionally designed them to appeal to female consumers. Overall, I believe gender-neutral toys are necessary because they allow children to explore their true interests beyond the constraints of gender, enhancing greater diversity in their preferences and behaviors. However, there is no doubt that achieving this goal remains a significant challenge.