Change.org Petition Asks Toys R Us To Stop Carry Meth-Glorifying 'Breaking Bad' Action Figures
Breaking Bad's Walter White had a knack for evading authorities and, on several occasions, certain death through the show's five seasons. But of all the adversaries he faced off against, his toughest opponent yet might turn out to be a mom from Florida. Otherwise known as Susan Schrivjer, this pissed off mother is making headlines for launching a Change.org petition demanding that Toys R Us remove its Breaking Bad doll collection.
The sight of Walter White transformed into Heisenberg in doll form selling for $17.99 (marked down to $13.99) on Toys R Us's website was too much for Schrivjer to bear. To her credit, Heisenberg is a meth-cooking kingpin and a killer, a character who crossed so far beyond the gray area of morality that there's no returning to the simple state of being a loving husband and father. Simply put, he's one of TV's bad guys, even though he didn't start out that way.
"Sony Pictures Television has recently partnered with Toys R Us to release a collection of dolls based on the characters from Breaking Bad. The show centers on the story of a high school chemistry teacher who becomes a drug kingpin in order to make ends meet. While the show may be compelling viewing for adults, its violent content and celebration of the drug trade make this collection unsuitable to be sold alongside Barbie dolls and Disney characters," Schrivjer's petition reads.
Point taken, though the counterargument is that censoring these types of collectibles crosses a precarious line. While Heisenberg's presence in a Toys R Us may seem odd, he's not the only toy or collectible with a violent past or nature. An easy example is Grand Theft Auto V, a violent (and highly entertaining) video game in which all kinds of atrocities are performed, including torture. You can also purchase a Freddy Krueger costume on Toys R Us and bundle it with a Darth Vader collectible. The question is, where do we draw the line?
According to Time, the Breaking Bad packaging "clearly notes that the items are intended for ages 15 and up" and only sold "in the adult section figure area of our stores." However, they've also been spotted uncomfortably close to toys intended for kids, such as Super Mario Brothers figures.
What's your opinion? Should Toys R Us continue to sell adult-themed toys and collectibles, including dolls of drug dealers? Or do you plan to sign the petition?
The sight of Walter White transformed into Heisenberg in doll form selling for $17.99 (marked down to $13.99) on Toys R Us's website was too much for Schrivjer to bear. To her credit, Heisenberg is a meth-cooking kingpin and a killer, a character who crossed so far beyond the gray area of morality that there's no returning to the simple state of being a loving husband and father. Simply put, he's one of TV's bad guys, even though he didn't start out that way.
"Sony Pictures Television has recently partnered with Toys R Us to release a collection of dolls based on the characters from Breaking Bad. The show centers on the story of a high school chemistry teacher who becomes a drug kingpin in order to make ends meet. While the show may be compelling viewing for adults, its violent content and celebration of the drug trade make this collection unsuitable to be sold alongside Barbie dolls and Disney characters," Schrivjer's petition reads.
"Florida mom petitions against Toys 'R Us over Breaking Bad action figures." I'm so mad, I'm burning my Florida Mom action figure in protest
— Bryan Cranston (@BryanCranston) October 20, 2014
According to Time, the Breaking Bad packaging "clearly notes that the items are intended for ages 15 and up" and only sold "in the adult section figure area of our stores." However, they've also been spotted uncomfortably close to toys intended for kids, such as Super Mario Brothers figures.
What's your opinion? Should Toys R Us continue to sell adult-themed toys and collectibles, including dolls of drug dealers? Or do you plan to sign the petition?
