Task One: At a Toy Store note the following:.
What personality characteristics and statuses are promoted for the kids who play with dolls?.
The first thing I noticed was the color of the boxes and cases the dolls came in, pink. Motherhood is strongly stressed, one item I recall said, "Be a mommy!" and another "She needs your care and love." Kindness and a nurturing behavior are strongly suggested for such a product.
2. What personality characteristics and statuses are promoted for the kids who play .
with toy guns?.
Guns were aimed at grabbing boys" attention they were in blue and green boxes. They showed strong "Rambo" like men on the covers, men whom growing boys would want to be like. The men on the covers represented: independence, strength, determination, steadfastness and absoluteness.
Task Two: From the mall map, determine the number of men's and woman's apparel stores.
1. It was quite apparent from the start that the majority of clothing stores are intended for woman. In the Diamond Mall men's stores are outnumbered at least three to one. .
2. This implies greatly that woman need to be more concerned with appearance. That women need to accessorize, to beautify. Where as men have a lax approach, they have outdoor and gun stores (no longer toys).
Task Three: Spend about 20 minutes observing at the video arcade.
1. Are the games marketed primarily for boys or women? How can you tell?.
Most of the games revolved around guns, ships and killing your foe. Which suggests a boyish inclination, army references and in fact 99% of the games characters were men.
2. What personality characteristics and statuses are the videos promoting for boys?.
Much like the guns in the toy stores the games all revolve around being a hero and saving the world. Generally in these games your character is alone fighting the enemy, this suggests a feeling of independence and self-reliance. .
3. How many of the customers were male/female?.
