ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses a wide range of theoretical and methodological perspectives and their applications for racialized toys. It presents a sampling of toys from the author's compiled database. The chapter also discusses the each racial grouping and its associated toys. The representations of Native Americans on children's toys follow two primary forms: the violent warrior and the 'noble savage'. Toys like the 'Popgun' game socialized children into understanding not only the dehumanized and animalistic nature of Native Americans, but also that any form of violence against them was justified. Toys are but one medium used in the socialization of children into structures of race and practices of racism. Through socialization and life-long experiences, individuals develop a unique habitus that enables them to navigate their social worlds. Habitus is a social disposition that enables and restricts individual practice based upon social structures and normative behaviors.
