Ken Holmes on the evolving toy market:
Prior to the 1960s, the only reason to make a toy was to sell it. It didn't matter if you offended anyone, selling was the only reason to make it. There were many politically incorrect toys sold, with terrible names. Toys companies picked on different people -- we've all seen the racially offensive black toys. Some other toys included ones that were aimed at the Irish (with a jug of whiskey) and the Chinese, (eating rats and gambling).
Other than the offensive toys, most tin toys could not be sold today because of safety reasons. Most of the older toys have lots of sharp edges and small parts. Back then, people wouldn't sue Marx if their child choked on a small part and died, it was an unfortunate accident, but that was the end of it. It's different today.
