The Simpsons are Cool but Barbie's a Minger - Professor Agnes Nairn

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Moreover, the negativity about the TV show or adverts appeared to rub off on the
perception of the toy. The year 6 boy continued his story about the advent of Beyblades in
the playground by saying, “We thought they were really good and then once we bought one
we thought it was a bit rubbish.”
This disillusionment with the gulf between advertising and reality is shown in greater depth
during a discussion about Action Man amongst a Year 6 mixed group in the private school.
Girl Like on TV. I remember in Year 5 when “Digit” was on, every 2 ads there was
Action Man (sings the tune for the advert).
Boy I think I was interested in them coz when they advertised them they showed
them really like, in places that suited them, but when you actually got them,
you didn’t actually get the setting … it was just your bedroom.”
Year 6, Private School, Mixed group
In his view, this was deceptive advertising: what was shown on TV was not an accurate
portrayal of the reality of playing with the toy at home.
Some children elaborated this disappointment by criticising the quality of the product itself.
Thus a year 3 girl at the State School said at the end of a lengthy discussion about Action
Man:
Girl I hate it because it’s sort of rubbish because the motorbikes keep breaking and
everything. It’s easy to break.
Year 3, State School, Girls Group
In turn, this disillusionment with the product quality was often expressed in terms of value
for money. For example, a girl in one of the Year 6 mixed groups at the State School
exclaimed about Barbie:
Girl The price is £14.99 for a little piece of plastic with hair and a face.
Year 6, State School, Mixed Group
And a boy in the Year 6 single sex group at the State School noted with some indignation
about Beyblades:
Boy They were very expensive. Well, not very expensive but it’s an awful lot for just
some bits of plastic and metal.
.
Year 6, State School, Boys Group