Guns, Knives and Other Things Used to Kill Cartoons

Ok, is it just me or are other Mommies out there so not ok with their little one playing with McDonald Happy Meal toy characters (who look like real people) that use knives and guns? After soccer, I went ahead and a Happy Meal for my son. As I am taking everything out of the bag (he had already been given the toy), I notice he is making shooting noises with his mouth. I looked over at amazement and said, "What is that?" He said, "It's a knive and a gun." I said, "What are those for?" He said, "To kill people." I stopped for a moment and thought to myself, How do I address this one? So I simply had the conversation with him that killing people is not a good thing. He said he understood but went right back to playing with the toy.

This had me thinking about the impact playing with these toys and watching cartoons where weapons are used. These are bad, I told him. This behavior isn't good, I said. But then my mind went to the current wars around the world that are being fought, in the name of Justice and Liberty. How is this any different than the man in Santa Clara, CA who shot and killed people at his job in the name of Justice? Where is the line drawn as to what is acceptable and what is not acceptable?

I hear that boys will be boys and let them play with these toys and video games and watch these cartoons; it's only pretend. But then I wonder what type of precedence this sets in his mind as to what are appropriate tools to use when one is attempting to 'defend' their own rights and honor? Deal with their anger and frustration? So many studies have been conducted that have shown men who were exposed to violence on television at a young age over a period of time were likely to have commited crimes and serve jail time. And let's not add other statistics to the case which aided in the outcome of their "freedom".

Goodness! I guess him not playing in the soccer games are the least of my concerns these days.

Blessings,
Aurellia