Blog #4 Action Figures

1. Summarize the argument for each article. Be sure to use your own words, recognizing that merely changing sentence structure or only changing a few words would constitute plagiarism.

The argument presented in the first article is that action figures have changed over the past 30 year by exhibiting unrealistic male physiques, and becoming more and more muscular over time. The author is attempting to establish a relationship between male body image disorders and different messages culture (action figures) sends us over time about the ideal physique. The second article states that attempting to create any type of relationship between action figures and the increased use of steroids among men with a negative image is completely ludicrous.

2. Analyze the tone of both articles, discussing how the presentation style and language effectively or ineffectively presents the authors' arguments. Use direct examples from both articles to support your point. Based on this analysis, what audience would you choose for each article?

The tone in the first article is more serious and informative. The article’s purpose is to inform through the use of “logos”, by retrieving information through various sources and citing them throughout the article. The audience of this article is most likely someone of higher power, with the ability and power to stop the production of “steroid-action-figures”. The tone of the second article is slightly satirical, and somewhat humorous. When the author says “We stopped playing with toys before grade school”, and then continues to say “Well, most of us, anyway”, this is displaying some kind of a cocky-humor. The audience of this second article is most likely everyday people, with no substantial power, and who purchase these action figures.

3. What is your reaction to the assertions in the articles? Consider how cultural expectations for your gender influenced your response, as well as how your personal experience factors. For example, did you have a favorite action figure or doll? Why was it your favorite? Did your parents deny you certain types of toys because they were too violent, too masculine, or too feminine? If so, how did that affect you?

The first article is ridiculous. Kids usually stop playing with toys during grade school, and eventually forget all about them. It is silly to say that more muscular toys are encouraging the use of steroids. I agree with the second article when it states that professional wrestlers are most likely the cause of increased steroid use, because it involves real people, and men of all ages watch professional wrestling.