AVOID WAR TOYS

When looking for gifts this year, why not overlook the games and toys that glorify violence, aggression and war in favour of those that promote peace, learning and positive reinforcement?

As our senses are flooded with media images and sounds of violence, bloodshed, hatred and conflict, too often this becomes the preferred mode of entertainment. It often starts with preschoolers — what they watch and play with, and what they are exposed to.

The world could change if we start to cultivate and promote a culture of peace with our children.

Some toys help children play together and others teach them new ways of learning. However, some toys and games are for fighting and teach children to accept a militarized world.

Among the many reasons why war toys appeal to children is that they don’t require skill or practice. Learning to read, play an instrument, write poetry, dance or act are more challenging and demand hard work. Unfortunately, the arts are often the first casualty in cuts to funding of education systems.

It is in the interests of militarized societies and their corporate suppliers to invest millions to develop realistic video games that attract youth to violence and war as a perceived means to solve conflict.

Like with many behav- iours, some are more susceptible to being influenced negatively than others. This continues to have devastating consequences for society. Trudi Gunia Co-chair, Saskatoon Peace Coalition