90.10EM Boycott of War Toys
[Whereas,] Rationale:
War toys – all playthings which are used to solve conflict, gain power, or win through violence, and which aim to wound or kill – teach children to accept a militarized world. The belief that war and killing are acceptable ways of dealing with difficulties is reinforced through their play. "Might is right" is the message implicit in war toys.
We live in a world with a common destiny which can be wiped out by nuclear war. We know that future human survival depends on cooperation, conciliation, and consideration of the views of others. NCWC believes that the elimination of war toys for children will contribute to more peaceful attitudes and the development of improved non-violent problem-solving skills.
(*Definition of the Swedish Play Council, which was quoted in a brief on war toys presented to the Government of Canada several years ago by the Canadian Council on Children and Youth.)
[RESOLVED,] NCWC urges the Government of Canada to boycott war toys.
Comment: NCWC took its resolution on boycotting war toys to the International Council of Women’s Triennial Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, September 23 – Oct. 1, 1991, where it was approved. Many other national councils will be approaching their governments on this issue.