Brian Laird on WNYc and as we close out our last show before Christmas we're going to turn

our attention for a remaining few minutes to a topic I'm sure many of you and families

with children have been thinking about toys.

I bet there's someone listening out there right now who's taking advantage of the kids

being at school and wrapping up toys that'll be given as gifts in the coming days. Look down at the toys in front of you.

What made you choose that particular toy for the kid in your life? What colors are the

packaging? Who's featured on the box? What's their gender and race?

Did you get it from the boys or girls aisle of the toy store?

All of these questions point to some underlying political

natures of toys. In fact, the exploration of that political

essence birth the most popular movie of the year, right, Barbie. The state of California

is also thinking about the politics of toys.

On January 1st, California will begin enforcing a law that punishes the reinforcement

of the traditional gender binary through toys.

And while we're continuously reminded

of how the civil rights, feminist, and anti-war movements

of the 1960s and 70s change society,

have you thought about how they shaped the way children play?

Our last guest before Christmas has connected California's gender inclusive toy law, as well as the

feminist and racially inclusive themes in Barbie. of Joining us now is Rob Goldberg, chair of the history department at the Germantown Friends School in Philadelphia, and author of Radical Play, revolutionizing children's toys in 1960s and 70s America.

Rob, welcome to WNYC.

Thank you so much, Brian, for having me on the show.

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