LEGO Batman Deemed Oppressive And Destructive To Young Kids

The Boston-based organization Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood has given the stink-eye to Warner Bros’ LEGO Batman, nominating it as one of the most “oppressive and destructive” toys of 2008. Congratulations, WB! I mean…

Why does the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood find LEGO Batman, of all games, so distasteful for our children, nominating it for a TOADY (Toys Oppressive And Destructive to Young Children)? Is there a special broken glass bottle controller included that we’re not aware of?

In their words, it’s the crass commercialism and forced marketing that’s so icky.

“How do you turn the ultimate creative toy into a symbol of commercialized childhood?” writes the Campaign for a Commercial-Free 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.”

Okay, so it’s robbing our kids of LEGO building creativity. What else ya got?

“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.”

Well…. I guess I can see your point there. No one likes violent fat kids. But I’m still voting for the Barbie Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader Doll. She’s such a bitch!

Toys Oppressive And Destructive to Young Children [CCFC via GamePolitics]