Are you toying with me?

1. The the article Evolving Ideals of Male Body Image as Seen Through Action Toys by Pope, Olivardia, Gruber, and Borowieki, the popular toys from the 1960's to present are assessed by means of measurement and the affects they may have on young boys' psyche. The collections analyzed were G.I. Joe and Luke Skywalker and Hans Solo from Star Wars. Both collections showed significant differences between 1960's and 70's models from today's. For example, the G.I. Joe models slowly started enhancing muscular definition in addition to size, and according to the article, when extrapolated to 70" in height, the G.I. Joe Extreme model "would sport larger biceps than any bodybuildr in history." Pope et. al contributes muscle dysmorphia - which is becoming increasing more common in men - to impossible standards subconsciously set by these toys. In addition, the article mentions the role of steriod abuse of men conflicted with muscle dysmorphia.

In the article G.I. Joe's Big Biceps are Not a Big Deal by Franke-Folstad, the author discerns the claim that unrealistic toys advertise an unhealthy image for children. The article sarcastically claims that this is why they are toys and "That's why we stop playing with them before we get out of grade school." Franke-Folstad believes real-life advertisements such as Charles Atlas' fitness secrets and professional wrestlers are the more than likely culprits of body scrutiny.

2. In the first article, Evolving Ideals of Male Body Image as Seen Through Action Toys, the tone of the article is serious and informative. The presentation is organized, and the authors provide evidence to support their claim. For example, to be certain they were analyzing the most popular toys for children, the authors "consulted with various toy experts...[and] consulted the 1st through 15th annual sales surveys of Playthings magazine..." As a reader this was very persuading. Of course the actual analysis of the growth and definition of the toys was convincing as well. The article did provide evidence of male eating disorders however it did not provide any hard evidence that these were a direct or indirect result of unrealistic action figures.
In the second article, G.I. Joe's Biceps are Not a Big Deal, the article is purely opinionated. For example, "Besides, if anything, I'm more comfortable with the freakish physiques of today's action figures..." There is no research, facts, or evidence to support the authors' claim. Although the sarcastic tone of the article is amusing, from an objectional standpoint the author does not persuade me as a reader because no proof is given.

3. Although objectionally the first article Evolving Ideals of Male Body Image as Seen Through Action Toys is more persuasive, I do agree with the claim the second article, G.I. Joe's Biceps are Not a Big Deal. As a child I played with Barbie dolls and I never once measured myself or even grown women to the physique of my Barbie doll. If anything I believe ultra skinny super models, actresses, etc. influence our society's beliefs and obsession of physical appearance. My parents never denied me a doll because of its physique; on the contrary, my mother would let me look through her Barbie dolls she had as a child. Looking back on the situation, I do not remember seeing a difference between the two models of doll other than the clothes. Of course this is a foggy memory; perhaps a second look would support a different assertion!