The New GI Joe Toys Compared to the Older Ones

Thanks to Hollywood and their movie machine a new line of toys is coming out: GI Joe. For all of us who grew up int he 80's we remember GI Joe with fond memories. They were the only action figures that could actually be in action. They had all the joints that we have, and all the joints needed to fit on and in all of the really cool things you could buy for them. Not only that, the came with stuff. They were a all in one purchase. Not only did you get the guy, you also got the entire selection of ammo and accessories that made this guy who he was. These were the toys that would never die, and could exist forever.

The new GI Joe toy though isn't the same as we had. Yes, our GI Joes had hinges, and joints that made them really move. Not only that, but their torso was rubberbanded to their pelvic section, and their legs were also rubberbanned to their pelvic section. These toys were indestructible, and that's exactly what an American soldier needed to be in our book. To continue, those joints were actually made of metal. That's right, you could see the rivets that put his arms and legs together. This metal made the joints, and allowed them to turn and mend. However, the GI Joes that are coming out now are made to just be bad representations of what was. Those joints are now merely interlocking pieces of plastic, painted over. The arms and legs are just ball sockets that are stuck into holes. When they pop out they will pop out for good. Is this the indestructible soldier, or just a representation of the Hollywood depiction?

Let's not forget what the main thing that GI Joe taught us on the back of every package, which is also missing. That we have the power to do whatever we want to. That the power is ours, and that we can change the world. That is the essence of the American dream, and what out American soldiers are fighting for. Then the end of the old GI Joe cartoon always ended with a moral outlook on life. When the child learned and said, "Wow, I didn't know." The answer was always: "Well now you know, and knowing is half the battle." Knowing what's right from wrong,a nd what's good and bad. But does anybody remember why GI Joe was taken off the shelves in the first place? Because they felt that the toys were too violent. they believe ed that the toys promoted war and killing. So there was a large public outcry to rip them from the shelves. Is it that these do not hold true anymore? Do these not promote war anymore, or is the general public OK with it because it's a movie? It seems the resurgent of GI Joe, and the cheaper form that he is made in, is a direct comment on where we have come form and where we are going.