Banned 70s Toys: The Controversy and Legacy

Introduction

The 1970s was a decade of innovation and creativity in the toy industry. However, not all toys from this era were embraced with open arms. Many toys faced controversy and were eventually banned due to safety concerns, cultural sensitivity, and other reasons. In this article, we will explore the banned 70s toys that caused a stir and examine the impact they had on the industry and society.

Part 1: Safety Concerns

Level 1: Lawn Darts
One of the most infamous banned 70s toys is lawn darts. These oversized darts were meant to be thrown at a target in the backyard, but their sharp metal tips posed a serious risk of injury. In the 1970s, reports of injuries and even deaths from lawn darts led to their ban in the United States and Canada.

Level 2: Clackers
Another toy that faced safety concerns in the 70s was Clackers, also known as Ker-Bangers or Knockers. These acrylic balls on a string were meant to be clacked together in a rhythmic motion, but their tendency to shatter into pieces during play led to multiple injuries and subsequent bans in several countries.

Part 2: Cultural Sensitivity

Level 1: Jarts
Jarts, or lawn darts, were also known for another controversial aspect – their design and marketing. The packaging and promotion of Jarts featured imagery and language that many deemed culturally insensitive, further adding to the outcry against the toy.

Level 2: Son of the Gan
The Son of the Gan doll was a short-lived toy in the 1970s that faced backlash due to its portrayal of a Native American character. The doll was criticized for perpetuating stereotypes and was eventually pulled from the market amidst protests from Indigenous communities and their allies.

Part 3: Gender Stereotypes

Level 1: Baby Laugh a Lot
Baby Laugh a Lot was a doll that was marketed as a source of “hilarious” laughter, but its constant and somewhat eerie giggles led many to criticize its impact on children’s perceptions of gender roles. The doll was eventually discontinued due to concerns over its portrayal of female characters.

Level 2: Little Black Sambo
The Little Black Sambo board game, based on the children’s book of the same name, faced backlash for its racially insensitive content. The game portrayed outdated stereotypes of African and Indian cultures, leading to its ban in many countries and a reevaluation of similar products in the toy industry.

Part 4: Environmental Impact

Level 1: Creepy Crawlers
Creepy Crawlers, a popular toy that allowed kids to create their own rubber insects and creatures, faced scrutiny over its use of harmful chemicals. The toy’s production process and materials raised concerns over environmental impact, leading to restrictions and regulations on similar products.

Level 2: Water Wigglies
Water Wigglies, colorful water-filled tubes that slipped out of the hands when gripped, were banned in the 1970s due to their potential hazard to wildlife. The tubes were found to pose a risk to marine animals if they ended up in bodies of water, prompting their removal from the market.

Part 5: Legacy and Impact

Level 1: Regulation and Safety Standards
The banning of controversial toys in the 1970s led to increased scrutiny and regulation in the toy industry. Manufacturers were pressured to improve safety standards and cultural sensitivity in their products. Ultimately leading to a more responsible and inclusive approach to toy production.

Level 2: Cultural Awareness
The banning of toys with racially insensitive content in the 1970s sparked conversations about cultural representation and diversity in the toy industry. This paved the way for more inclusive and diverse toy lines in the following decades. And reflecting a more accurate and respectful portrayal of different cultures.

Part 6: The Ban on Jarts

Jarts, also known as lawn darts, were a popular outdoor game in the 1970s. However, their popularity came with a high price as they caused numerous injuries and even fatalities. The metal-tipped darts were designed to be thrown into a target ring on the ground. Their sharp tips and heavy weight made them incredibly dangerous, especially when used by unsupervised children. In 1988, the Consumer Product Safety Commission banned the sale of lawn darts in the United States. And citing their potential to cause serious injury or death. Despite the ban, some manufacturers still sold them under the guise of being a lawn game for adults only. However, with growing concern over their danger, the sale and importation of Jarts were completely prohibited in 1997.

Part 7: The Controversy Surrounding Clackers

Clackers, also known as Clacker Balls or Ker-Bangers, were a popular toy in the 1970s made of two hard plastic balls attached to a string. The goal was to rhythmically swing the balls up and down to create a clacking noise. However, the hard plastic material and the force with which they were swung made them extremely hazardous. There were reports of children suffering eye injuries, cuts, and bruises from using Clackers. As a result, in 1976, the Consumer Product Safety Commission banned the sale of Clackers due to their potential to cause harm. The ban led to the discontinuation of Clackers, and they quickly disappeared from the market.

Part 8: The Ban on Water Wigglies

Water Wigglies were a popular water-filled plastic toy that was highly sought after in the 1970s. Shaped like animals or characters, they were designed to be squeezed and squeezed. Make the water move and create a wiggling effect. However, the thin plastic material and the risk of the toy breaking and releasing the water inside led to a ban on Water Wigglies in 1972. The potential for the water to contain harmful bacteria or mold if the toy were to break was a major concern, leading to the ban. The ban effectively removed Water Wigglies from the market and advised parents. Dispose of any existing toys to prevent potential harm.

Some Examples of Banned 70s Toys

In the 1970s, there were several toys that were popular among children. But some of these toys were eventually banned due to safety concerns, controversy, or their potential to cause harm. Here are some examples of banned 70s toys:

1. Clackers: These were two acrylic balls attached to a string that could be manipulated to make a clacking noise. However, due to numerous reports of children getting injured by the balls shattering and flying apart, Clackers were eventually banned in the US and several other countries.
2. Creepy Crawlers: This toy allowed children to make their own rubbery insects by pouring liquid plastic into a metal mold and heating it up with a light bulb. However, the hot liquid plastic posed a serious burn risk, and Creepy Crawlers were eventually banned.
3. Easy-Bake Oven: While not completely banned, the original 1963 version of the Easy-Bake Oven used a 100-watt incandescent light bulb as a heat source, which caused numerous burns and injuries. The design was eventually modified to use a lower wattage bulb.
4. Lawn Darts: These large, weighted darts were meant to be thrown into a target on the ground, but their sharp points and potential for causing serious injuries led to their ban in the US and other countries.
5. Jarts: Similar to lawn darts, Jarts were large, weighted darts designed for outdoor play. Unfortunately, several accidents and even deaths led to their ban in the US in 1988.
6. Water Wigglies: These were water-filled toy tubes with a slippery surface that made them difficult to hold onto. Due to the potential for children to swallow the liquid and choke, Water Wigglies were eventually banned.

Conclusion

While these toys were popular during the 1970s, concerns over safety and potential harm led to their eventual ban. Manufacturers and regulators have since placed a greater emphasis on the safety of children’s toys. And ensuring that they meet strict safety standards and regulations. The banned 70s toys left a lasting impact on the toy industry. Prompting important conversations about safety, cultural sensitivity, and environmental responsibility. Although these toys faced controversy and ultimately removal from the market. Their legacy continues to shape the way toys are designed, produced, and received in today’s society.