Last month for my birthday, my friend Jeanne left a little gift bag on my doorstep. Pete brought it into my office for me. He didn't stay to see me open it, but when I screamed (and I mean a big loud shrieking scream) he came running back to see what it was. It was a Jane Austen Action Figure. Yes, that is right, action figure – not a figurine! She bends, she poses and she comes with her own little writing desk, quill and copy of Pride and Prejudice. She is completely fabulous.
What I love most about her is her box, it says right across the top Action Figure. Figurines are made to be beautiful. An action figure is made to be a hero. Think of how little boys play with Spiderman and Superman. They run through the house, their action figures in hand, keeping the living room safe from evil threats and terrible villains. Now think of how little girls play with Barbie, they pick out her outfits and rearrange the furniture in the Barbie mansion. It's just not the same. While I have no problem with the girls playing with Barbie, I want them to have heroes to play with too. I realize that Jane Austen is not going to be a five-year-old's hero, but my little Jane has made me think that I need to have my eye out for some action figures for my girls. I want them to dream bigger than clothes and beauty and material purchases. I want them to grow up imagining themselves working with their heroes fighting evil villains and making the world a better place. Maybe if they play that way at five and eight and ten, they will imagine themselves growing up to save the world instead of just beautifying it.
As for my little Jane, I am keeping her all to myself. She has a perch on my office window sill. I'm looking for some friends for her. I'd love to have a little Harriet Beecher Stowe and an Eleanor Roosevelt. I could shut the door to my office and get them all out for a play date. They could debate presidential politics, our failing education system, and the AIDS crisis in Africa over a nice cup of tea. Maybe after playing with my little heroes for a while, I will start to imagine what I too can with my life at 35 and 48 and 70. Every girl needs some action figures to play with, thanks for reminding me of this Jeanne!
8 comments:
you're my hero wendy! that's just what i need to remind myself that "what" they play is just as important as what they play with. we're so concerned that it's age appropriate and lead free, now is a perfect time to take a moment and spark their imagination. maybe use a toy you already have.... maybe lightning mcqueen is DRIVING the first woman president of the united states around, who's name happens to be grace?
that is great! things seem to be changing in the USA maybe great female action figures are the next big thing!
I love it, Wendy! That is such a fun gift!
Since I too am now the proud owner of a Jane Austen figurine (who promptly had her quill torn from her hand and superglued back on, a sign of a good toy) I would like to second the trend, my children and I have had wonderful discussions about her and her life, we looked at her books and talked about how hard it must of been to write in a time when that was not an occupation for women. When then discussed what other things my children might have to overcome to do great things.
Besides all action figures have tights, she's legit, she even has colored underwear (yes I looked).
very cute!
Jinny, I am glad to hear that your Jane has been repaired! Thanks for sharing about her undergarments. :)
I am practicing with your new directions for posting a comment. So, consider me a bit of a action figure test pilot. My trouble has always been in remembering my password. Once I set the account up, I could never remember what password I was given. So, I was always thwarted at the last moment. Let's hope I don't, indeed, need one. In which case you will see this post and I will potentially win a fabulous prize.
Knowing you and your beautiful family I think you should add the Engergizer bunny to your favorite action figure list!
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