Sylvanian Families, the bemusingly twee brand of plastic animal tribes which live in tree houses, is enjoying a surge of popularity. Amongst its new creations is the new Pig Family.
It would be hard to imagine a more obvious reinforcement of gender stereotypes; I quote:
'Richard E. Grunt is a builder and a very good one. He builds lots of houses of all shapes, sizes and materials in the woods of Sylvania as well as garden walls, shops and schools. No job is too big or small for Richard E.
Constance Grunt like her name suggests is constantly preparing food for her large, hungry family. Pastries for breakfast, biscuits and tarts for snacks, at least five vegetables for main meals as well as puddings, it never ends!
Hugh Grunt is a 'chip off the old block' and hopes to become a builder like his dad. He has built his own den and treehouse in the garden as well as drawing up plans for a shed to store his tools; just like his father's shed!
May Grunt is a slave to fashion. She spends her time scanning magazines and shops for the latest designer outfits along with all the must have accessories. Once she has chosen her new look she then works out how to alter her clothes to create her new outfit.
I mean, please! Although the pig father's name is tantalisingly similar to Richard E. Grant, accident or design?
More descriptions of servile Sylvanians to follow...
