My son, who is nearly 5, currently is obsessed with LEGO. In fact, “obsessed” might be putting it mildly. He pores over the LEGO catalog as if staring intently will make the bricks jump off the pages. (Granted, with his impending birthday, all that staring will likely lead to more than one LEGO toy for the b-day boy. Guess he’s on to something…)
I like LEGO: I like the quality product, the creative outlet, the (relatively) responsible company. What draws a little bit of my ire is that the toys featured on the cover of the LEGO catalog are Indiana Jones-themed. As in the (very mediocre, I might add) PG-13 movie Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.
I do not plan to shelter my children from everything age-inappropriate: I let my 21-month-old play with some toys marketed “for 3 and older” and let my son watch Dirty Jobs and Ice Road Truckers. My problem lies with movie studios — and their licensing partners — who are courting a market for whom this movie is not intended.
What’s more, a recent article pertaining to this very subject reports the Motion Picture Association of America — advocate for the film industry and operator of our familiar film rating system — is not interested in going to bat for parents (parents, apparently, are whiny and should leave them alone). Or listening to the FTC, for that matter. Far be it for us to stifle anyone’s creativity by regulating the advertising of violent movies on kids’ cable channels.
In no way am I interested in limiting our access to film. In no way do I suggest we censor or bring the content of films to a lowest common denominator of sorts (G movies all the way!). I’m the parent, and I’m responsible for my children’s access to this stuff. But I’m just thinking…
Maybe instead of reacting so defensively, a human or two should rise out of this industry and think. Logically. In the best interest of families.
Maybe it’s not such a good idea to freak out small children with flesh-burning amulets or deadly spirits or person-devouring ants before they’ve learned to ride a two-wheeler.
Maybe it’s not about the money for five minutes.
If the MPAA and film studio powers-that-be aren’t willing to listen, what about LEGO? What’s important here? Is anybody with me on this?
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June 22, 2008 at 4:42 pm
Lisa @ Corporate Babysitter
I’m with you on this. I’ve been wondering why lots of corporations won’t forget about the money for five minutes. Lots of thoughts on this at my blog, if you’re interested.
We’re not huge Lego fans here, but I have wondered: doesn’t it take something out of the creative play (which is what is so great about Legos) to have pictures on the boxes and instructions and basically tell kids: this is what you MUST build?
June 26, 2008 at 8:24 am
Moondance
I’m with you on this. I loved the first three Indiana Jones movies. I am eagar to share them with my son. But he is only six. So he knows the stories, and the characters, but he has not seen the movies. We strongly considered having an Indy marathon so he could see them, but finally had to curb our enthusiasm because he’s just not ready.
Then, LEGO comes out with this, and he’s all over it (esp with the next door neighbors having the video game). Do preschoolers and kindergarteners really watch the movies? Do they understand them? or, more importantly, enjoy them?