War Toys for the Prince of Peace?

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War Toys for the Prince of Peace?

G.I. Joe dolls and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are likely to be at the top of many children's wish lists this Christmas, What does this say about our celebration of the birthday of the Prince of Peace if we give children war toys for Christmas?

Those who say "no" to such, requests are taking: an important stand; they are refusing to feed their child's hunger for play on a diet of violence and savagery; they are celebrating Jesus' birthday with conscience and integrity.

When buying toys for children consider what values the toy promotes. What is the attitude toward life promoted by this toy? Consider the following statistics:

• In 1982, war toys comprised 3 percent of the market in the U.S, Since then, sales of war toys have increased 700 percent.
• G.I. Joe, the leading war toy, is ranked in the top three of all toys sold.
• Since 1982, over 100 million G.I. Joes have been shipped.
• Sixty percent of Nintendo cartridges sold have violent, war-based themes.
• According to the National Coalition on Television, 40 studies have shown an increase in violent and anti-social behavior among children who play with war toys.

For additional information, send $5 (plus $2 postage) to The War Resisters League Toys Campaign," Box 1093, Norwich, CT 05360, (203) 889-5337, for a "Stop War Toys Campaign" packet which includes organizing ideas, alternatives, and background and publicity materials. Share the ideas with your church and/or Other groups which are concerned about children.

Most of the statistics were reprinted with permission from "Christmas: A Time To Disarm Our Children" by Dave and Ada Kidd which appeared in the December 19, 1988, issue of the Michigan Christian Advocate.

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