[Unit Project 1] My cute friend

 

My artifact is a stuffed Minnie Mouse. This stuffed animal was purchased from a Disney store when I was three years old. It has cotton inside, which makes it soft and fluffy. And it has a very long tail. Also it  made in China. It has a red polka-dot skirt, a ribbon with the same pattern and red shoes. It also has a ball chain so it can be used as a strap. 

 

My story about it is as follows. When I was younger in kindergarten, I was very shy and did not like going to kindergarten very much. So, the night before I went to kindergarten, I used to cry a lot because I didn't want to go.

One night, "Mom, I don't want to go to kindergarten tomorrow."  I cried and said.

"Oh, why not? But there will be lots of fun things waiting for you tomorrow." My mother smiled kindly and said.

 "But I want to take this with me!" I said, holding the stuffed animal.

"Take the stuffed animal with you? But usually, it may not be allowed."  My mother  said, looking at the stuffed animal.

 "It's my best friend!" I cried and said.

"Alright, I'll ask the teacher about it." My mother said thoughtfully.

The next day, my mother talked to the teacher, and surprisingly, the teacher allowed me to bring the stuffed animal to kindergarten.

"Thank you, Mom!" I said happily.

I carried that stuffed animal with me every day at kindergarten. It gave me comfort in an unfamiliar kindergarten environment. I don't use it anymore, but I have it as a precious memory. It reminds me of the comfort and support that my favourite toy gave me during those critical years of my childhood.

 

Stuffed animals are probably something that everyone has had at least once between childhood and the present. The culture of stuffed animals has spread across borders and around the world. First, there are stuffed toys in the sense of children's toys. For children, stuffed animals are important friends. Secondly, there are stuffed animals as goods. Stuffed toys of cartoon and comic book characters exist and are important collectibles for fans. This can be linked to otaku culture. Thirdly, there are plush toys as gifts. People often give plush toys as gifts. Finally, there are handmade plush toys. Some people make stuffed toys by hand. This is connected to hobbies such as handicrafts.

 

It is not good for gender stereotypes. Some toys and stuffed animals may reinforce gender-based stereotypes. For example, certain colours and designs can emphasise gender differences and can be a factor in enforcing gender-based expectations and role divisions for children. It is important to have a world where people can freely choose the toys and stuffed animals they like without being restricted to such some toys and stuffed animals from a diversity perspective.