I don’t think it is brainwashing. There are many types of toys that seems to be preferred by the majority of one gender or the other. At first we offered the boys toys which were considered genderless playthings such as wood blocks. It wasn’t long before they were made into vehicles.

We learned very early is that most little boys are fascinated with anything that has wheels. No matter what else is offered, they would generally choose a toy truck or car and provide their own sound effects.

In LA it very hard to get anywhere without using a car. It is a very spread out city with very poor public transportation. But our son, who lives here, drives a Prius.

Our son and daughter-in-law in DC regularly uses the metro for transportation to and from work. Taking a train to another Eastern City is common. But there are some places which are hard to get to without a car.

There was something else we learned about toys early in the game. We had a strict rule allowing no toy guns or other toy weapons. It didn’t take long until the boys fashioned a guns or other weapons out of whatever object was available … or simply shaped their hands to resemble a gun and ran around yelling “bang bang”.

Wrapping paper tubes became swords and mock battles were enacted with regularity.

Nevertheless, they both turned into non violent peaceful adults.

@Judi: I think one of the main problems in the US is simply city planning. Work, shopping and living are too far apart - so you need a car to go around. Here in Europe most cities are minitowns with everything closeby and integrated. You can walk most distances, go shopping, have a drink or see a movie without using a car.

Toys: I don’t want to be politically correct - just inspire kids to adore other objects apart from cars.