Tuesday, October 26, 2021

Semiotic Weapons: the "Nerf or Nothing" Ultimatum


The Toys R Us catalogue arrived yesterday. As usual, it is filled with models -- kids playing with toys in an effort to excite interest in them. Only this time it is exclusively BIPOC kids pointing the guns ("blasters"), and never at each other. Who or what is their out-of-frame target? And why are these kids always smiling. It's all so -- hopeful? 

Check out the ad copy:

The satisfying "ka-chunk" of re-loading. The "pop" of foam darts. And the belly-deep shouts and laughs that come from ducking, dodging, and chasing after opponents. You don't have to be a kid to enjoy blowing off some steam with this fast-paced indoor or outdoor blaster battle -- you just have to join in the fray.

What is the significance of this ad? What does it signify? Inclusion? Or is it as "simple" as a target market -- getting BIPOC parents of BIPOC kids to buy more "blasters"? 

No comments:

Post a Comment