Just the word LEGO immediately evokes childhood memories for many of us. As an engineer, I suppose my dad saw the benefits of having his daughters (all 4 of us!) get acquainted with the colorful little blocks, known for stimulating young minds. We loved sitting together for hours trying to create anything and everything we could think of. I remember the feeling of focus and determination when trying to make the most extraordinary house ever. Granted, it wasn’t always easy, and my amazing house probably looked more like a hut, but hey – I was 7 or 8. LEGO has time and time again been praised for its creativity-awakening properties in young children – inspiring design and engineering skills in children. But over the years, it has also suffered a certain amount of criticism from people claiming that the company isn’t as gender neutral as it should be. Now, an old note dug out of a LEGO box from the 70s reveals a level of gender equality that puts 2015 to shame. I immediately adored the note’s important message. Really powerful and important to spread.
The image was originally posted by Reddit user Fryd_ who simply tagged it with these words: “70s Lego had the right idea.” Many people couldn’t believe the note was actually from the 70s as he claimed, but Fryd_ vouched to its authenticity.
“I can assure you it is!! I couldn’t believe it either… It seems like we’ve taken a step backwards,” he said.
Comments came pouring in and the note spread like wildfire. Fryd_ explained that he’d discovered the note at his partner’s grandma’s house.
“Wow I had no idea this would blow up so much, so didn’t take more photos, but this was at my partner’s grandma’s house, on the back page of a pamphlet that came with a set from ’73 she still has,” he said.
After going viral online, the note was confirmed authentic by Roar Rude Trangbæk of LEGO corporate communications.
“Yes, the text is from 1974 and was a part of a pamphlet showing a variety of LEGO doll house products targeted girls aged 4 and up from the 1970’s,” he told io9.com.
I absolutely adored this important message for all parents. Sadly, I think it does make it look like we’ve regressed, with the difference between “girls’” and “boys’” toys seemingly more obvious than ever. Just visit your local toy store and note the contrast.
Please like and spread this fantastic note from the 70s if you agree children toys should have no gender!
