Dolls - Action Figures

[jhameia]

Dolls: little representations of fictional characters (Barbie and the like) designed for playtime for, stereotypically, little girls.

Little girls and boys will use dolls to enact stories, different dolls playing different roles within any sequence. As a result, dolls get a lot of use, do a lot of acting for their humans.


Action figures: little representations of fictional characters (Batman and the like) which are designed to boost their stereotypically male owner's esteem and designed solely for display.

I know there are those like He-Man which are designed for active use, but often when one thinks "action figure", one doesn't necessarily associate it with "playtime".


So why dolls so characterized as passive when obviously they're a hell lot more active than these "action figures"?

Comments

[eiko82.livejournal.com]

but often when one thinks "action figure", one doesn't necessarily associate it with "playtime".

Eeeuuuh, yes, they do. I always played with my GI Joe's, TMNT figures, He-Man figures, Disney action figures (Aladdin, Lion King and so on), etc. The only reason I stopped playing with my action figures is 'cause I'm an adult. I have no need for a playtime.

Tho being an adult doesn't stop me from fiddling around with my Pinkys and making up crazy photo stories ^_^

[fantasyecho.livejournal.com]

I was thinking more of those "show" action figures that I know are just for display, NEVER for use...

I'd rather reassign the term "action figures" to the traditional "dolls" like Barbies. Even your Pinkys and your dolls are more suited to the term than those display things!

[eiko82.livejournal.com]

So?

A Nativity scene is also only meant 'for display'. That didn't stop me from playing with it as a kid. I had all kinds of fun adventures with Baby Jesus, Mry, Joseph, the three kings and herders (I kid you not!).

[fantasyecho.livejournal.com]

Really? In Malaysia, those religious figures are NEVER meant for play. If there's a nativity scene, the kids aren't supposed to play with them. But I can see it happening though.

I'm talking more about those expensive figures with comic book characters and anime characters.

[eiko82.livejournal.com]

Well, in all fairness, looking back, I'm surprised that I didn't get slapped for playing with it. 'Cause normally, it's NOT supposed to be played with at all.