The Junior Age

Month: April 2023

Diversity in Toyland: Why Barbie with Down Syndrome is making waves

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Toys have been a staple of childhood for centuries, providing endless hours of entertainment and imaginative play. However, toys can also have a significant impact on a child’s worldview and understanding of the world around them. For decades, Barbie has been one of the most popular toys in the world, but it has also been criticized for promoting unrealistic beauty standards and perpetuating harmful stereotypes. The recent release of a Barbie with Down Syndrome marks a significant step towards promoting inclusivity and acceptance of differences in the toy industry.

Overview of the history of Barbie and criticisms of lack of diversity

Barbie was first introduced in 1959 by Mattel, and since then, it has become an iconic symbol of childhood. However, over the years, Barbie has faced criticism for promoting unrealistic beauty standards and perpetuating harmful stereotypes. Many people have argued that Barbie’s body proportions are unrealistic and contribute to a culture of body-shaming and low self-esteem among young girls. Additionally, Barbie has also been criticized for its lack of diversity and representation of different races, body types, and abilities.

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Introducing Barbie with Down Syndrome

The recent release of a Barbie with Down Syndrome is a significant step towards addressing the lack of diversity and representation in the toy industry. The new Barbie, which was released as part of the Barbie Fashionista line, features a doll with a more realistic body type and a facial structure that reflects the physical characteristics of Down Syndrome. The doll also comes with a wheelchair and a ramp, promoting accessibility and inclusivity.

Positive impact on children with disabilities and their families

The release of the Barbie with Down Syndrome has been met with overwhelming positivity from the disability community and families with children who have Down Syndrome. For many families, having a toy that reflects their child’s physical appearance and abilities is incredibly important for promoting self-esteem and a positive self-image. Additionally, the Barbie with Down Syndrome can also help promote understanding and acceptance of people with disabilities among children who may not have had exposure to them before.

Also read, Keeping Your Kids Busy: A Comprehensive Guide to Planning the Best Summer Activities for Children

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Representation and inclusivity in the toy industry

The release of the Barbie with Down Syndrome is just one example of the growing push for representation and inclusivity in the toy industry. Many companies are starting to recognize the importance of reflecting the diversity of the world we live in through their products. From dolls with different skin tones and hair textures to toys that reflect different cultures and abilities, the toy industry is slowly but surely becoming more inclusive.

Responses from the disability community and advocates

The release of the Barbie with Down Syndrome has been met with overwhelming positivity from the disability community and advocates for disability rights. Many people see this as a significant step towards promoting acceptance and understanding of people with disabilities. However, some people have also pointed out that there is still a long way to go in terms of representation and inclusivity in the toy industry. There are still many groups that are underrepresented or not represented at all in the toys that are available to children.

The importance of continuing to push for diversity in toys

While the release of the Barbie with Down Syndrome is a significant step towards promoting inclusivity and acceptance of differences, there is still much work to be done. It’s crucial for the toy industry to continue to push for diversity and representation in its products. This includes reflecting different races, cultures, abilities, and body types. By doing so, the toy industry can help promote understanding and acceptance of different people and contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate society.

Other examples of diverse toys and their impact

The release of the Barbie with Down Syndrome is just one example of the growing trend towards diversity and inclusivity in the toy industry. Other companies have also started to release toys that reflect different cultures, abilities, and body types. For example, American Girl dolls now come in a variety of skin tones and hair textures. Additionally, there are now toys that reflect different abilities, such as dolls with hearing aids or prosthetic limbs. These toys are helping to promote understanding and acceptance of different people and are contributing to a more inclusive and compassionate society.

The role of consumers in driving change in the toy industry

Consumers also have an important role to play in driving change in the toy industry. By choosing to purchase toys that reflect diversity and inclusivity, consumers can send a message to toy companies that these values are important. Additionally, consumers can also support companies that are actively working to promote representation and inclusivity in their products. By doing so, consumers can help to create a more inclusive and compassionate society.

Conclusion and call to action for supporting diversity in toys

The release of the Barbie with Down Syndrome is a significant step towards promoting inclusivity and acceptance of differences in the toy industry. However, there is still much work to be done in terms of representation and inclusivity. It’s crucial for the toy industry to continue to push for diversity in its products and for consumers to support these efforts. By doing so, we can help to create a more inclusive and compassionate society where all people are represented and valued.

Check this video out to find out everything you need to know about the latest Barbie in town.

The Evolution of Labour Day Celebrations

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Introduction to Labour Day

Labour Day is a public holiday celebrated in many countries around the world. It is a day set aside to recognize the contributions of workers to society. The day is usually celebrated on the first Monday of September in the United States and Canada, while in other countries, it is celebrated on May 1st, which is also known as May Day.

History of Labour Day Celebrations

The history of Labour Day dates back to the late 19th century when workers in the United States and Canada began to organize themselves into labor unions. These unions were formed to advocate for better working conditions, higher wages, and better treatment of workers by their employers. The first Labor Day celebration was held in New York City in 1882, and it was organized by the Central Labor Union.

The celebration was marked by a parade that featured thousands of workers from various industries. The parade was followed by a festival that included speeches, music, and other forms of entertainment. The tradition of celebrating Labor Day spread to other parts of the United States and Canada, and it eventually became a national holiday in both countries.

nationalgeographic

Read About, Everything You Need to Know About The Origins of Mother’s Day Celebrations

The Significance of Labour Day

Labour Day is significant in many ways. It is a day set aside to recognize the contributions of workers to society. Workers are the backbone of any economy, and without their contributions, the economy would grind to a halt. Labour Day is also significant because it is a day to remember the struggles and sacrifices of workers who fought for better working conditions, higher wages, and better treatment by their employers.

economictimes.indiatimes

Labour Day Celebrations Around the World

Labour Day is celebrated in many countries around the world, and it is known by different names. In the United Kingdom, it is known as May Day, while in Australia, it is known as Eight Hours Day. In Germany, it is known as Tag der Arbeit, while in France, it is known as Fête du Travail.

The way Labour Day is celebrated varies from country to country. In some countries, it is marked by parades and festivals, while in others, it is a day off for workers. In some countries, it is a day to remember the struggles of workers, while in others, it is a day to celebrate the achievements of workers.

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The Evolution of Labour Day Celebrations

The celebration of Labour Day has evolved over time. In the early days, it was a day to recognize the contributions of workers to society. The day was marked by parades and festivals, and it was a time for workers to come together and celebrate their achievements.

However, as time passed, Labour Day celebrations started to take on a different meaning. The focus shifted from recognizing the contributions of workers to celebrating the achievements of the country as a whole. The day became more about patriotism and less about workers’ rights.

From Workers to Warriors: The Changing Face of Labour Day

The changing face of Labour Day can be traced back to the changing nature of work. In the early days, workers were seen as the backbone of the economy, and their contributions were recognized and celebrated. However, as the economy shifted from manufacturing to service-based industries, the role of workers changed.

Today, workers are seen as warriors, fighting against automation and artificial intelligence. The focus has shifted from celebrating their contributions to recognizing their struggles. Labour Day is now a day to remember the sacrifices of workers who have lost their jobs due to automation and AI.

The Role of Unions in Labour Day Celebrations

Unions have played a significant role in the history of Labour Day celebrations. They were instrumental in organizing the first Labour Day celebration, and they continue to play a vital role in the celebration of the day.

Unions use Labour Day as a platform to advocate for workers’ rights and to raise awareness about the challenges facing workers. They organize parades, festivals, and other events to celebrate the achievements of workers and to highlight the challenges they face.

How Labour Day is Celebrated

Labour Day is celebrated in different ways around the world. In some countries, it is marked by parades and festivals, while in others, it is a day off for workers. In some countries, it is a day to remember the struggles of workers, while in others, it is a day to celebrate their achievements.

In the United States and Canada, Labour Day is marked by parades and festivals. It is a day for workers to come together and celebrate their achievements. In other countries, Labour Day is a day off for workers, and it is a time for them to relax and spend time with their families.

Labour Day in the Age of Automation and AI

Labour Day has taken on a different meaning in the age of automation and AI. Workers are now seen as warriors, fighting against machines that threaten to take their jobs. The day is now a time to remember the sacrifices of workers who have

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Everything You Need To Know About NATO

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Formation of NATO

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), is an international organization that was formed at Washington D.C on April 4, 1949. 

It originally comprised 12 member countries:- 

  • US
  • UK
  • Canada
  • Belgium
  • Denmark
  • France
  • Iceland
  • Italy
  • Luxembourg
  • Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Portugal

All these countries made a promise to defend each other in case any of them are attacked and to resolve and dispute peacefully. Its headquarters are in Brussels, Belgium.

Image- nato.int

After the World War II, the Soviet Union helped set up communist governments in many Eastern European countries. The US and the Western European countries feared the further spread of communism. To protect each other against the Soviet Union and the communist countries, NATO was formed.

It is the world’s biggest military alliance with 31 member countries as on date. NATO does not have its own armed forces. Instead it has a military command structure that works with the militaries of member countries in peacekeeping operations.

Official Languages of NATO

NATO has two official languages, English and French, as defined in Article 14 of the North Atlantic Treaty.

Article 5
Article 5 of the Washington Treaty (NATO’s founding document) provides that “an attack or provocation on one of its member states is considered as an attack against all”. This is known as collective defence and has been used only once in the history of NATO — in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001.

Defence Spending of its Members

All members of NATO must commit to spending at least 2% of their GDP on defence.

What is Communism?

Communism is a type of government. In a communist system, individual people are not allowed to own land or factories. Everything is owned by the government or the whole community and everyone shares the created wealth.

NATO on the Russian Invasion of Ukraine

Ukraine, a country in Eastern Europe, was a part of the Soviet Union (which broke up into different independent countries including Russia and Ukraine in 1991). Ukraine shares a border and history with Russia.

Image – businesstoday

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Russian President Vladimir Putin believes that Ukraine is a part of Russia. He also wants to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO. Russia attacked Ukraine on February 25, 2022.

NATO does not support the war between Ukraine and Russia. It believes Ukraine is an independent and peaceful country. Although Ukraine is not a member of NATO, it is a close partner.

New NATO Member: Finland

NATO has announced that Finland has become the 31st member of the alliance, thanks to Turkey’s unanimous vote. Despite Russia’s opposition to Finland’s membership, Turkey’s approval has allowed the extension of NATO. Finland shares a long border of over 1,300km with Russia, and its decision to join NATO was prompted by security concerns following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. However, Sweden’s application to join NATO has been declined by Turkey and Hungary.

Image- theguardian

NATO Ministerial

Foreign Ministers Meetings & Defense Ministers Meetings give opportunities for NATO Allies to address many of NATO’s most pressing security challenges at some of the highest levels of government. Key strategic issues discussed at these meetings have included Capabilities, Afghanistan, Missile, and Kosovo Defense. Generally attended also by many of NATO’s partners, these meetings are a chance for NATO to strengthen its relationships around the world.

Image – socialist.net

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Interesting Facts About Ramadan

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What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which is based on the cycles of the Moon. The Ramadan dates are different every year as the Islamic calendar is based on the Moon. This year Ramadan began on March 22 and will end on April 21. 

During Ramadan, people who follow Islam won’t eat or drink between dawn and sunset. This is called fasting. They eat one meat before sunrise, which is known as ‘Sahoor’, which means “of the dawn”. They also have another meal right after sunset known as ‘Iftar’ which means “break of the fast”. They also read the Qur’an and pray during the entire month.

Origin of Ramadan

Ramadan is the month of remembrance and celebration of when the Qur’an (the Muslim holy book) was revealed to Prophet Muhammad by the angel Gabriel, in A.D. 610. Muslims believe that the Prophet of Muhammad is the last Prophet, who received the teachings of Allah and who spread the Islamic faith after the Qur’an (believed to be the direct word of Allah) was revealed to him.

Also read, Easter Traditions Around The World

Eid al-Fitr

Ramadan officially ends with the first glimpse of the new Moon. The festival of “Eid al-Fitr” or the “Feast of Fast-Breaking” is observed to mark the end of the month of Ramadan. Eid al-Fitr is celebrated to end fasting and also to thank God which is done through special services held in the mosques. Special meals are eaten during the daytime and people dress in the finest clothes, spend time with family and friends, and give gifts to children. 

AFP PHOTO

Eid is celebrated around the world in more or less the same manner with slight changes which are usually because of cultural differences. In Ghana and Somalia, traditional dances like Adowa and Buraanbur are performed respectively along with the celebrations. This is a unique way of celebrating in Africa during Eid. 

Eid is celebrated every year with great spirits, enthusiasm, traditions, and lots of love and brotherhood among people. 

Check this video out to find out everything you need to know about the latest Barbie in town.

Easter Traditions Around The World

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Easter is the most important festival in the Christian calendar. It celebrates Jesus rising from the dead, three days after he was executed, symbolising his conquest of death. The date of Easter Sunday varies from year to year. It is observed on or after March 21, on the first Sunday following the full moon. Each culture has its own unique traditions to commemorate this special day. From food to decorations, there are many interesting Easter traditions that vary by region.

Know Of The Various Easter Traditions Around The World – 

1. Cooking A Giant Omelette

Brotherhood of the Big Omelette members have gathered in Bessières, France, every year since 1973 to prepare an enormous omelette consisting of 15,000 eggs. The feast is prepared over a sizable fire in the town square by a group of volunteer cooks using wooden utensils shaped like oars and a four-meter-wide pan.

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2. Kite Flying

The colourful geometric patterns in the sky represent Jesus’ journey into heaven as Bermudians assemble to fly homemade kites constructed from wooden sticks and colourful tissue paper. Together with a codfish feast, hot cross buns, and sunrise services on the beach, this Easter custom is celebrated.

3. Halloweening

Halloween is a springtime tradition in Sweden and some of its Nordic neighbours. On the Thursday before Easter, young people dress as witches and knock on doors to ask for candy. In exchange for the treats, the kids typically give the grownups colourful willow branches or drawings. The custom is based on the myth that Swedish witches visited Blkulla before Easter to celebrate with the devil. On Easter Sunday, Swedes build large bonfires to ensure that the witches won’t return.

4. Easter Almonds

On Easter, people in Portugal give each other almonds, also known as amêndoas. The delicious candies are coated in hard candy, chocolate, or caramelised sugar and come in a variety of colours. On Palm Sunday, the Sunday before Easter, godchildren give their godparents a stalk, and in exchange, the godparents give almonds on Easter Sunday.

5. Easter Egg Roll

At the White House in America where the country’s president lives, an annual Easter egg roll is held on the lawn. The tradition dates back to 1878 when President Rutherford B Hayes ran the country. It’s held on Easter Monday and it’s usually the President’s wife, known as the First Lady, who is in charge of the event.

6. Water Fights

In Poland, people throw water over each other on Easter Monday. It’s known as Wet Monday. In the olden days, it was mainly single guys chasing single girls, but now it’s pretty much everyone water-fighting everyone. The weapons of choice are water guns, empty shampoo and dishwashing soap bottles, and buckets. 

7. Pot Smashing

Old pots are traditionally thrown out of windows on Easter Saturday morning on the Greek island of Corfu. It’s believed that the custom originated with the Italians of Venice, who regularly discard their goods.

8. Easter Eggs Are Red In Greece

In Greece, dying eggs red, symbolizing Christ’s blood, has held strong throughout the millennia as an Easter tradition. The egg in itself is a symbol, as its hard shell represents the sealed tomb of Jesus, the cracking of egg symbolizes his resurrection from the dead and exit from the tomb.

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