Dystopian Soft Play

Cursed Objects

It's episode 5, and this week Kasia and Dan are worrying about 'Agamben Toys': dystopian play-things for kids like Playmobil prisons and riot cops with tiny plastic riot shields, guns, mean-looking dogs and roadblock accessories. Why do these objects exist, why do they unsettle adults more than they do kids, and what can they tell us about the Boring Dystopia of the real world? What is the history of toy soldiers and the "pleasure culture of war", and why has Britain always been so obsessed with them both? This week's key object: a Guardia Civil toy soldier.

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Theme music and production: Mr Beatnick

Artwork: Archie Bashford