Activist group claims Lego Batman is oppressive, destructive to young children

The Boston-based Campaign for a Commercial Free Childhood is perhaps best known for joining the chorus of critics blasting Manhunt 2 when it released back in 2007. But the group has now conceived the TOADY (Toys Oppressive And Destructive to Young Children) Award. It’s raising quite a few eyebrows with its pick to put the decidedly non-controversial Lego Batman on the list of nominees.

The CCFC’s website heaves harsh criticism at the game, which is rated “E” (for Everyone). The Entertainment Software Ratings Board, particularly in the post-Hot Coffee era, generally errs on the side of caution. Even humorous references to alcohol or other mature themes quickly kick a game into a “T” (Teen) rating.

The CCFC blasts the Batman and Star Wars Lego efforts because the games allow children to pick which “cyber weapons to use to destroy their opponent.” The CCFC is disappointed in Lego because the group thinks Lego’s toys should be about building and not destruction.

In addition, the CCFC is ashamed of Lego for using its toys and the Batman game to promote The Dark Knight in Happy Meals. I don’t remember any of the Lego Batman commercials telling me I should take my children to see the violent Dark Knight. As a matter of fact, it looks like Warner Bros. has taken great pains to cultivate different looks for the grim, gritty adult Batman and the child-friendly Lego versions of Batman and Robin.

This group is doing a good service suggesting we all watch the amount of commercials our little ones are exposed to, but it’s hard to take the CCFC seriously when they brand a harmless game like Lego Batman oppressive and destructive to children.

Other toys up for the TOADY are the Baby Alive doll, the Power Wheels Cadillac Escalade, the Fisher Price Smart Cycle, and the Barbie Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader Doll. Voting continues until February 8, 2009, with the winner being announced February 12, 2009.

Read [Game Politics] Also Read [Ars Technica]