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Saw this on the Guardian Unlimited site - www.guardian.co.uk - have any of our US 'lithers seen these yet? One of the more tasteless/depressing by-products yet?
quote:
You've seen the war footage, now buy the cards
Sarah Left
Guardian Unlimited
Thursday November 22, 2001
US collectibles company Topps has produced a range of trading cards for children that glorify America's military action in Afghanistan.
The Enduring Freedom series consists of 90 glossy cards featuring US political and military leaders, the patriotic response to the September 11 attacks, and military hardware. One card is devoted to Tony Blair, described as "a staunch ally".
The series also features a photograph of flowers laid outside the US embassy in Pakistan in the aftermath of the September 11 atrocities. No corresponding card shows the subsequent angry demonstrations against the US bombing campaign.
The company explained on its website: "Topps has chosen to focus on America's strengths - its elected leaders, the security of its military, its worldwide support, and the courage and unity of its people."
It is not the first time Topps has attempted to explain war to children through the medium of trading cards. The company made three series of Desert Storm trading cards, which it claims were "highly praised by military leaders for their informative content, including former chairman of the joint chiefs of staff [and current secretary of state] Colin Powell."
Topps would not directly respond to charges that the cards promoted an unquestioning view of the war to children, saying simply: "We chose not to reiterate the graphic images that are of abundance in a majority of publications and newscasts."
The cards are suitable for all ages, a Topps spokesman said, but were conceived with children in mind. He said the cards have been selling "very well" since they were released three weeks ago.
The cards retail for $1.99 (£1.30) for a pack of seven, but they are not available online.
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