When my family and I lived in China, diverse toys were virtually non-existent and the realities of living in a homogeneous society were very real to us. We live in London now. And, although we encounter cultural diversity on a daily basis, I’ll never forget how important it is for all of us all to learn to appreciate different cultures.
Children are constantly learning and processing information about the world and the people in it. Experts around the world, agree that play is one of the main ways children learn and develop. Albert Einstein famously said, “play is the highest form of research. ” Given that play is so key to child development, it’s important that the tools of play accurately represent the world we live in.
Contrary to popular belief, diverse toys aren’t just for members of ethnic minorities. Diverse toys are important for all children. When it comes to understanding this importance, it’s helpful to reflect on the imagery of the window and the mirror. This argument holds that children need access to two types of educational resources in order to acquire a balanced understanding of the world:
- Resources that reflect their own identity and experiences (the mirror)
- Resources that provide them with an insight into the identity and experiences of others (the window)
The Mirror
Children learn about themselves through play so it’s powerful when they see themselves reflected in their toys. My three-year-old son was so pleased when he received an action figure and excitedly exclaimed, “That doll looks like me!” When children see characters that look like them it helps them view themselves positively. And, when they have access to toys that represent their culture and traditions, these experiences are validated.
Last year, I visited a school fair. I was talking to one of the parents when she announced, “That’s the headteacher over there.” I don’t remember what we were speaking about but I do remember how I felt when I realised that the woman she was referring to was another black woman. I’d never encountered a black headteacher before.
I’m a grown woman with children of my own and yet I felt it at my core when I saw a black woman in that position of leadership. I suppose all this can be taken for granted or misunderstood by people who are used to seeing themselves represented in the public sphere. In that moment, I fully understood what it means for representation to matter.
When children see themselves positively reflected in the world around them it helps them feel significant, validated and included. When children see people who look like them on television, in literature, in their toys, and in positions of influence, it increases their self-esteem and encourages them to aspire to greatness.
Studies have shown that there’s a very real correlation between negative portrayals of minority groups and low self-esteem. Children notice the way that different racial groups are characterised in society. Once internalised, these messages shape their view of the world and the people in it.
The Window
Diverse toys are important because they teach children about other cultures. For example, a jigsaw puzzle illustrating the map of Ghana, can help children learn about the geography of another country. This toy can also be used as a springboard to learn more about Ghanaian culture. Children can ask questions about the different regions and landmarks and they can enquire about the various famous people depicted in the puzzle.
Having access to multicultural toys from a young age helps redefine the standard of beauty and promotes awareness of other skin tones and hair types. This reduces the chances of children being singled out because of how they look or where they come from. For example, a black doll with afro hair can teach children that hair comes in different textures and good hair doesn’t have to be straight.
Diverse toys also teach children that everyone is important and worthy of being included. Emily Style makes this point beautifully: “those whose (white male) experience is repeatedly mirrored are narrowly and provincially educated to see themselves (and their own kind) as the only real players on life’s stage… students’ educational diet is not balanced if they see themselves in the mirror all the time.” By diversifying a child’s toy collection we can help foster an open-mind and a willingness to learn from others.
Diverse toys can also help foster compassion and empathy. For example, a doll with vitiligo or albinism can help reframe the notion of beauty. These toys can help normalise physical differences and remove the stigma that often surrounds skin conditions. Introducing these issues with toys provides a safe space for children to work out their curiosities and have their misconceptions corrected.
I once heard a young boy refer to one of our vitiligo dolls as dirty. His mum immediately corrected him and explained that the doll wasn’t dirty and that some people actually have skin like that and they are still beautiful. The doll provided an authentic teaching opportunity and a chance for his thinking to be adjusted before he encountered someone with vitiligo.
In conclusion, there are a plethora of reasons why diverse toys are important. Diverse toys help children gain a holistic understanding of the world and feel represented in society. Such toys are powerful learning instruments that open young minds to the truth that all cultures are valuable and all skin tones are beautiful. In this way, the power of diverse toys transcends mere entertainment. Diverse toys can impact a child’s worldview and as such they are potent tools of social change.