LEGO Batman Video Game Harmful To Children?

by Peter Mychalcewycz on January 26, 2009 at 07:12 AM

Every year, Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood (CCFC) gives out the TOADY award for worst toy. The lucky winner is plucked from thousands considered to be Toys Oppressive And Destructive to Young Children. It's kind of like the Razzies for toys, only CCFC isn't laughing when it hands out its awards.

The top nominees for this years TOADY award are all pretty bad, but one in particular caught our attention. It's LEGO Batman, and here's what CCFC had to say about it:

"How do you turn the ultimate creative toy into a symbol of commercialized childhood? Begin by partnering with media companies to sell that toy in branded kits designed for recreating movies like Star Wars, rather than creative construction. Then, dispense with hands-on building altogether by turning your toy into a video game so that instead of deciding what to build next, children choose which cyber weapons to use to beat up their opponent. Finally, ignore the fact it was rated suitable for ages 10 & up and partner with McDonald's for a Happy Meal toy giveaway to simultaneously promote the video game, junk food, and the violent 'Dark Knight' movie series to preschoolers."

Look, we grew up with LEGO. Today's kids want video games. LEGO gave them a video game. That said, we can't seem to find much wrong (like anything) with CCFC's critique. The only thing missing was a condemnation of the lazy parents that buy mind-numbing garbage for their impressionable children. Toy companies are going to sell what people are buying. It's that simple. [From: joystiq.com]

Tags: batman, health, kids, killer gadgets, KillerGadgets, LEGO

Comments

Master ShakeJan 26th 2009 7:48AM

Neutral

It is not fair to blame parents for buying toys for children that are heavily marketed. Try having a child in the US and seeing what they are bombarded with from THAT perspective. The ultimate problem is that America created an economy where both parents now have to work. There are very few homes in which a mother can stay home and really take care of children.

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JasonJan 26th 2009 9:01AM

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Master Shake Said: "There are very few homes in which a mother can stay home and really take care of children." Sexist scum! This isn't 1940, Beaver Cleaver! Dads should have every right moms do! The ultimate problem is that America created an economy where NEITHER parent can be home with the children. Apparently you aren't aware that either parent can be a caregiver.

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BillyJan 26th 2009 9:07AM

Neutral

This is what happens when women have children too close to menopause.

But really, these people need to pick their battles. Trust me, I own this game and it is suitable for all ages

If only they could find something better to do with their time, like HEY! : get outside, go to work, PLAY VIDEO GAMES!

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SethApr 26th 2009 9:16PM

Neutral

this game is NOT going to get kids to be violent! So are people now saying that children are gunna dress up with their underwear outside of their pants and beat up people who they think are bad guys?
oh thats very convincing.
I'm a teenager so i'm pretty sure i know the ACTUAL answer to this.
Kids dont take video games as role models unless they're VERY deprived of siblings, parents, or friends! all you have to do is give them someone to idolize and that sort of thing wouldn't happen.
Take this for instance: im the youngest person in my family, in whole. i have no cousins, and only 2 brothers. i never got violent when i played Mortal kombat, grand theft auto, or even wrestling. now i play games where you run around and shoot peoples heads in half and cut their arms off! im still not "violent"
i think the whole THEORY is just stupid.

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