Last week, three classic playthings were chosen as inductees into the National Toy Hall of Fame:
The Baby Doll (a given), the skateboard (well-deserved) and ... the
stick. Yeah, you heard me. A plain, old wooden stick, which is
technically not a toy but -- thanks to the wonders of a child's
imagination -- can substitute as one. 
The
stick got the nod for the same reason that in 2005, the cardboard box
made the Hall of Fame: It's simple, all-purpose, cheap and can
entertain a child for hours. I understand that next year, the Hall of
Fame is inducting a tin can. Because, you know, you can kick it.
Look,
I don't mean to be a killjoy, but this seems a little absurd to me. I
get the cardboard box, even though it's technically not a toy either.
All of us have taken a box and turned it into a racing car or an
awesome fort or a sweet robot costume. But a stick? That seems like
more of a leap. You shouldn't go around inducting things based on what
kids imagine they might be. Hell, I often imagine that I'm the
frontwoman in a kickass punk band. That doesn't mean I should be in the
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
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