Global Perspectives

Trends here, trends there: Asian toys

Introduction: As writing instructors in UWRF’s English Language Transition (ELT) Program one of our missions is to involve English learning students in campus activities while strengthening their knowledge of English. We could think of no better way to do this than to have them publish an article in the Student Voice. What you are about to read is the final product of several sessions of brainstorming and writing followed by consultations with native speakers including some from the TESOL program and the Student Voice. -- Kiki Augustin (ESL 211 Intermediate Writing) and Alex Hatheway (MODL 310 Advanced Composition)

Many of you may have heard about designer toys. It is not only popular in America but also in China. Even if you have never bought one, you might see them in the markets around America. What I am going to introduce is the designer toys trend in China.

Do you own a Funko Pop? Have you ever seen a hairdorabie when you are shopping in the market? Maybe you are familiar with designer toys, but the toys in China have totally different form and main idea.

The toys in America usually show the famous characters, but the designer toys in China always have their own characters. In recent years, a special shop suddenly became popular among young people. It is not normal because it only sells the designer toys. Toys there from different designers have their own names.

Unlike the Funko Pop, the toys in a same series may look different from each other. Like the hairdorabie, you never know which toy in this series you will get. Not knowing which toy is in the box not only pushes you to buy more but also gives you an impulse to buy the whole series. The different series have different themes. So for example, my favorite toy Satyr Rory has different skin colors and clothing but the same base type.

The designer uses the different characters to tell the mythical stories and to show the mythical creatures. It is a lovely reflection of an imaginary world. I think the trend is interesting and it shows the future of toys.