Keeping Racism Alive in Education

10.05.2010

When the first Europeans arrived, they raped the land and killed Native Americans, the people they perceived to be the enemy.

Then the Europeans brought over slaves to do their work for them while reaping the profits. Hatred for the black person grew.

Men feared women for a number of reasons and did what they could, by law, to suppress them in every way possible making sure that a woman knew her place was in the kitchen and with the children.

The Chinese and the Irish were soon feared, despised and killed but not before their services were used to build the Transcontinental Railroad. During this time, the blacks and the Irish were very good friends resolved to living in the slums. Though the minute the Civil War ended, the Irish would now compete with blacks for jobs and so they turned against their neighbors.

At the turn of the 20^th Century, Italians were now despised and white people's hatred for blacks continued. Eugenics was brought into American culture too where minorities, the mentally disabled and anyone else perceived to be “different” was sterilized under the auspices that “white is best."

By mid-century, Latinos have entered the equation and not because of their spot in America’s economic wheel but because hatred toward them now was going strong.

Today, all of these emotions toward these different ethnic groups still exist except for maybe the Irish and Italians. Funny thing. What’s the color of their skin?

Children's Toys 1990s-2000

08.14.2010

Top 10 Children’s Toys 1990-2000:[1]

1. Pogs – Originating in Hawai’i in the 1920s it didn’t make its way to the North America until the late ‘80s/early ‘90s. They consist of small cardboard discs with printing, artwork or pictures on one side with a larger, heavier disc called a slammer to play the game. Each player drops the same amount of pogs into a stack and uses the slammer to knock as many pogs off as they can. The one with the most pogs was the winner.

2. Tickle Me Elmo – In 1996, it was Rosie O’ Donnell’s show who propelled this toy to famedom. Tyco Toys gave her 200 of these and Rosie used the toy as a gag throwing one of them to the audience every time a guest used the word of the day. This created such frenzy that children and parents began to demand one quickly outnumbering the supply. People were going on EBay and charging exorbitant amounts of money and people actually paid thousands for one.

3. Furby – Created by David Hampton and Caleb Chung, the talking doll hit the markets in 1998. These toys could be taught words and phrases, were required to be fed and slept regularly. They originally sold for $35 but demand for them drove the price up as high as $100.

4. Super Soaker – Originally created in 1982, engineer and creator Lonnie Johnson experienced a series of setbacks before perfecting his model. It hit the shelves in 1990.

5. Beanie Babies – Invented by Ty Warner in 1993, what put these toys on the map is his idea in 1996 to retire the first eleven babies. They instantly became a collector’s item.

6. Game Boy – This game first came out in Japan in 1989 but it didn’t hit American markets until 1991. It holds the award for being the most successful video game system in history. Since its debut, it has grown with advanced models coming out in 2001 and 2003.

7. Buzz Lightyear – Here’s another story similar to what happened to George Lucas with Star Wars. No major toy company believed that the toys in Toy Story would sell as actual toys for children. But soon, they were proven wrong and the small toy company, Thinkway Toys, couldn’t keep up with the demand. The most popular action figure was Buzz Lightyear.

8. Power Rangers – The 1975 Japanese TV show Dinosaur Task Force Zyuranger eventually became The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers in 1993 (in Japan). When its popularity began to fade, Saban Entertainment decided to alter its marketing strategy and sell the show with toys. The new Power Rangers with action figures emerged in 1996.

9. Tamagotchi – Aki Marita created this virtual pet that she could have as a companion. This toy created an entirely new toy category.

10. Pokemon – This was originally a game for Game Boy in 1998 although Nintendo released it in Japan in 1996. As a result of its success, a TV series and trading cards were created and when released in the US, it was paired with an animated TV series. In 1999, a movie was released.

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[1] http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/463119/top_ten_toys_of_yesterday_1990s.html?cat=37

Children's Toys 1980s-1990s

08.13.2010

Top 10 Children’s Toys 1980-1990:[1]

1. Cabbage Patch Kids – These dolls hit the shelves in 1983 and even though 3 million of them were made, they sold out. Originally created by Xavier Roberts in 1977 who designed them to put himself through college. In 1982, Original Appalachian Artworks, Inc. produced the dolls for a wider market and the following year they made their debut.

2. Trivial Pursuit – Canadians Chris Haney and Scott Abbott developed this game over a conversation they were having about some missing pieces to their Scrabble game. Soon partnering with two friends, it took several years before it took off. In 1983, licensing was given to the US manufacturer, Selchow and Righter, who successfully marketed the game.

3. My Little Pony – Invented by Bonnie Zacherle, Charles Muenchinger and Steven D’Aguanno it was produced by Hasbro and debuted in 1982.

4. Koosh Balls – I totally remember these. Ha! Born from an idea that engineer, Scott Stillinger, had by tying rubber bands together to make a ball, the Koosh Ball is made from approximately two thousand rubber filaments tied around the core. Its name comes from the sound the ball makes when it lands.

5. Transformers – Although I remember these, ask any boy who grew up in the ‘80s if he had one and he’ll give you a “Hells yeah” look. Hasbro released these toys in 1984 with a story line coupled with a television series, a movie and comic books. Cross promotion at its best!

6. Pictionary –Another huge hit for Hasbro released in 1987. It was so popular that a TV game show was developed in the ‘90s based on it.

7. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – Boy I found these annoying. But I’m a girl. Back in 1983, friends Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird were goofing off with cartoon sketches when Kevin drew a turtle with nunchuks strapped to his arm. Peter then said, “Why not a teenage mutant ninja turtle?” They both liked the idea so much they developed a comic book that they self-published. As a joke, they took out an ad in the Comics Buyer’s Guide and were surprised when distributors made serious bids and calls. They called themselves Mirage Studios and sent a press kit to the Associated Press. The attention skyrocketed their popularity and three thousand issues of their comic sold out fast. They were connected to Playmate Toys who agreed to distribute action figures only if a TV deal was secured. In 1987, a mini-series was created and The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles had become an empire.

8. Chia Pet – I can still see the commercial. Animal figures that grow “fur” originally come from the south of the border but Joseph Enterprises Inc. trademarked the name and marketed them. The first Chia Pet was a ram and came out in 1982.

9. JENGA – Brought to the US by Milton Bradley, the word is Swahili for “to build.” Leslie Scott, an Oxford University student, developed the game in the early ‘70s but it wasn’t until the mid-late ‘70s that her friends convinced her to sell it. American Robert Grebler imported the game to the US and Canada and in 1985, creating a JENGA fund-raising tournament for the Heart Foundation, it came to the attention of Milton Bradley who bought the rights.

10. All Terrain Armored Transport (Star Wars Walker) – This is considered to be the most expensive toy ever in 1980. It is a fictional vehicle that made its debut in Empire Strikes Back.

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[1] http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/462632/top_ten_toys_of_yesterday_1980s.html?cat=25

Children's Toys 1970-1980

08.11.2010

Top 10 Children’s Toys 1970-1980:[1]

1. Atari VCS 2600 – Founded in 1972, Atari, Inc. paved the way for the gaming industry future. Nolan Bushnell sold Atari, Inc. to Warner Brothers and when the Atari VCS 2600 was released in 1977 it sold for $199. But in 1982 with the release of Nintendo, Atari’s sales plummeted. Today people search garage sales, thrift stores and flea markets for this very system and its cartridges.

2. UNO – In 1971, an Ohio barbershop owner, Merle Robbins, created the card game and eventually a fan bought the rights. The new owner formed International Games Inc. making millions off the game. In 1992, International Games became a part of Mattel.

3. Rubik’s Cube – In 1974, Erno Rubik was a lecturer at the Department of Interior Design at the Academy of Applied Arts and Crafts in Budapest, Hungary, and created a cube to help demonstrate his idea that simple things could be duplicated and manipulated into many forms. Word of mouth spread about the Cube and, in 1978, the Ideal Toy Corporation went to Hungary to see the toy in play. One million were immediately ordered and its popularity spread throughout the world helping define the ‘80s.

4. SIMON – I loved, loved, loved this game. Created by Howard Morrison and Ralph Baer, it was the first of its kind. The game has a microcomputer inside controlling the game and keeping it competitive.

5. Dungeons and Dragons – Invented by Dave Arneson and Gary Gygax and has grossed a ton of money for its fantasy and adventure toys and games.

6. Hungry Hungry Hippos – Oh another favorite of mine! Created in 1978 by Milton Bradley and was designed and marketed specifically for smaller children.

7. Connect Four – I was definitely a child growing up in the 80s; another fave! Created in 1974 by Milton Bradley and in order to win, you had to rely on strategy.

8. Star Wars Action Figures – I love the story behind the movie Star Wars and even though I haven’t heard any good rumors about George Lucas, I have to respect his mindset when he was making the movie back in the ‘70s because he had every single odd against him including natural disasters and a studio that wanted to shut him down. When the movie did come out, everyone was blindsided by its popularity and Kenner Toys had sole rights to the toys but they had no toys made because, like everyone else, they thought the movie would flop. That X-mas, they realized they wouldn’t have the action figures made in time so they invented a marketing strategy where they’d sell an empty box to children with, basically, an IOU. In 1977, kids received an Early Bird Certificate Package for X-mas and months later received their action figure. Try doing that today.

Original packaging. These puppies goes for hundreds of dollars now.

Originals unpackaged.

9. Magna Doodle – Invented in 1974 and is a magnetic drawing toy with a drawing board, pen, and magnetic shapes.

10. NERF Balls – Originally created to be used as an indoor volleyball game, in 1970 Parker Brothers decided to nix that concept and market the NERF as “The World’s First Official Indoor Ball” and was released as such in 1972.

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[1] http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/461893/top_ten_toys_of_yesterday_1970s.html?cat=37

Children's Toys 1960s-1970s

08.10.2010

Top 10 Children’s Toys 1960-1970:[1]

Hot Wheels – Barbie’s creator’s husband, Elliot Handler, invented Hot Wheels while experimenting with free-rolling wheels in 1968. The cars became revolutionary because of their speed and tricks. Artist, Rick Irons, who worked for Mattel at the time created the car’s logo.

LEGO – Originally a Danish toy, they were brought to the US in 1962. But it’s history starts in 1932 when a carpenter in Billund, Denmark set up a business that manufactured wooden toys. He named his company LEGO using the letters in the Danish word that means “play well” (leggodt).

Architect Frank Lloyd Wright's "Falling Water" house in Bear Run, PA is one of the most popular LEGO products and retails on Amazon for $70 (it usually goes for about $100).

G.I Joe – There isn’t a clear story as to this toy’s origin. The G.I. Joe figure was designed by Walter Hansen and Phil Kraczkowski and sold in 1964 with uniforms of all four branches of the US military. In order to market it to boys, the words “action figure” was used instead of “doll” because boys didn’t play with dolls.

Easy Bake Oven – Introduced in 1963 by Kenner Products, now a division of Hasbro, it was originally turquoise in color and had a fake stove top with a lightbulb heating the oven. In 1968, General Mills began their Betty Crocker line for children to use in the ovens. Today, children can cook food on low settings.

Back then.

Today (more or less).

Etch-a-Sketch – Invented in Germany by Arthur Granjean in the 1950s, it wasn’t until 1960 that the company Ohio Art mass-produced it for people in the US.

Super Ball – Distributed by Wham-O in the summer of 1965, these balls could bounce over buildings making them instantly popular.

The Game of Life – Lithographer Milton Bradley made his fortune by selling portraits of Abraham Lincoln; however, when Lincoln grew a beard, no one wanted his paintings anymore. Bradley went nearly bankrupt until he began selling copies of a game he designed called The Checkered Game of Life. Milton Bradley, the company, was born! The Game of Life was released in 1960 to commemorate the 100^th anniversary of Milton Bradley.

Sea Monkeys – This is weird. Harold von Braunhut noticed that sea monkeys have a natural form of suspended animation when removed from water and began marketing them as pets. I always thought Sea Monkeys were a made-up toy but apparently they’re really a creature whose official name is Artema nyos and they are related to the bryn shrimp. Huh, learn something new every day.

Barrel of Monkeys – Introduced in 1966 by Lakeside Toys as S-shaped hooks, they were changed into monkeys with S-shaped arms. In 1968, the cardboard tube used to store the monkeys was changed into a plastic barrel. Today, Milton Bradley owns the game.

Operation – And who said school as a waste of time? In 1962, college student, John Spinello, created a toy with metal holes and lines drilled through the top. It came with a metal rod intended for players to put it in between the openings without touching the sides. If it touched the side, a bell would sound. Spinello sold the game to his godfather and it eventually made its way to Milton Bradley where the game was redesigned to become what we know today as Operation.

The buzz used to always scare the crap out of me.

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[1] http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/461495/top_ten_toys_of_yesterday_1960s.html?cat=25

Children's Toys 1950s-1960s

08.09.2010

Top 10 Children’s Toys 1950-1960:[1]

1. Barbie – She debuted in 1959 invented by Ruth Handler and supposedly based on her daughter. Ruth is co-founder of Mattel and Barbie put them on the map as toy makers.

This is what Barbie looked like when she debuted.

2. Play-Doh – Created by Noah and Joseph McVicker as a non-toxic reusable wallpaper cleaner in 1955. A schoolteacher inquired about a safe modeling clay substitute and Joseph sent her some of their wallpaper cleaner, and the kids loved it. The brothers created Rainbow Crafts Company and renamed their product Play-Doh.

3. Frisbee – 2 ideas created this product. The first, a Connecticut pie baker, William Russel Frisbie, came up with a marketing plan in 1870 to sell his pies. He impressed his name on the bottom of reusable tin plates that his company sold their pies in with the intention that housewives would take the plate to bake a pie, see his name, and think about how much easier it’d be to just buy one. His business boomed and in the 1940s, students at Yale used the tins to throw them to each other and catch them. The second idea came about in the 1950s when Walter Frederick Morrison designed a saucer disc and sold his idea of playing catch with them to Wham-O. While the president of Wham-O toured college campuses across the country he noticed what the students at Yale were doing with the tins. Coming back to CA, he renamed the saucer disc after Frisbie only changing the “i” to another “e” to avoid legal issues.

What Frisbie's pie tin looked like.

4. Tonka Trucks – After failing at making and selling garden tools, a group of teachers turned that failure into success by taking the left over materials to make toys. The toy truck they created was named after the lake Minnetonka.

5. Matchbox Cars – Creator Jack Odell made a miniature brass model of a car for his daughter to take to school for Show and Tell. To help her carry it, he placed the car inside a matchbox making the toy a huge hit.

6. Yahtzee – A wealthy Canadian couple approached Edwin Lowe, a toymaker, to make copies of a game they created. He loved it and bought the rights. It was originally called The Yacht Game created for people to enjoy the game while cruising on the ocean.

7. Skateboards – Wow, I had no idea this actually dates back to the 1930s! It wasn’t until 1958 that the skateboard was manufactured as we know it today.

8. Hula Hoops – These have apparently been around for thousands years. The modern form of it was born out of a trip to Australia by a friend of the company Wham-O who saw children twirl bamboo hoops around their waist for exercise during school.

9. Mr. Potato Head – Creator George Lerner initially designed and produced this for kids to take and use face pieces as push pins for them to push into fruits and veggies. Companies declined to market it saying they didn’t think parents would want to waste food. In 1952, Mr. Potato Head debuted through television advertising where kids would use real potatoes to make countless faces. In 1960, plastic pieces were used instead.

10. PEZ – Originally created as a mint dispenser in 1927 by Edward Haas, an employee of PEZ, Oskar Uxa, eventually changed the design of the dispenser so that it would look more like a cigarette lighter. In 1955, the company decided to place heads on the dispensers in order to market them to children.

What PEZ must've originally looked like.

A vintage PEZ with Olive Oil's face (from Popeye).

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[1] http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/460516/top_ten_toys_of_yesterday_the_1950s_pg2.html?cat=25

All images are found on Google Images by typing in the product name and "1950s."