“Playmakers,” reviewed: The race to give every child a toy

5 days ago

Immigrant kids in early 20th century New York frequented candy stores for sweets and socializing.
Morris Michtom, a Jewish immigrant, created the first Teddy bear inspired by a political cartoon of Theodore Roosevelt.
The Teddy bear sparked a toy industry revolution, leading to mass-produced toys and a booming market.
Jewish immigrants played a significant role in shaping the American toy industry, founding companies like Hasbro and creating iconic toys.
The Progressive era shifted attitudes towards childhood, emphasizing play and education over labor.
Felix Adler and other reformers advocated for children's rights, including play as essential for development.
Eastern European Jewish immigrants, despite poverty, innovated in the toy industry, contrasting with the more theoretical approaches of German Jewish educators.
Toys evolved to reflect societal values, including gender roles and racial attitudes, as seen in dolls like Saralee and G.I. Joe.
The toy industry capitalized on parental desires for educational toys, though children often find joy in simple, imaginative play.
The story of the Teddy bear and the toy industry highlights the cultural and economic impact of Jewish immigrants in America.

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