Why do they do things to little kids?

[Nephilium]

I just caught word of the new TMX tickle me Elmo and after doing some digging on it, I've come to the conclusion that who ever made it must be a sick person.

My cousin got one for her kids and all of them, even the oldest (age 7) are afraid of it. It leads me to seriously question toy makers and their ideals of what would be appropriate. Perhaps the toy would be more acceptable if it were in the form of something older children would play with. Maybe a robot, specified for ages 9 and up.

Here are a few links to look at I've found for the TMX Elmo.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2029457706320871566
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKFmX58-ADY&NR

What do you think about the TMX Elmo? Thoughts and or criticism about the design of the doll and my opinions are wanted.

[hamnat]

O_o....that thing is hilari-scary. It's the feeling where you're freaked out, yet laughing your butt off at the same time. But all in all, wtf is the most prominent thing that comes to mind.

Whoever came up with that idea should be taken to the corporate basement, escorted to the most remote supply closet, locked in with Andre the Giant, and punched in the head every 5 minutes for the next few years.

[Slayer of the Rot]

I don't really see anything creepy or scary with it. The masturbation motion the woman mentioned just looks like it's slapping it's knee to me. Here's my basic approach to things like this:

If you don't like it, don't spend your money on it.

[Arawn]

My godson would love this doll.

It sounds like its meant to be tickled tortuously, as it begs the child to stop. Yeah, that would work wonders to keep him entertained.

EDIT: The creators are not sick or creepy. This is probably a very well-targeted product for their chosen demographic. That chick just talks to talk. The Internet is filled with such people.

[Vamrsh Skylare]

Well then... very interesting. I think most children now-a-days would love it. They are used to toys that make lots of noise and move around. And the whole masturbating thing, thats in the eye of the beholder. In other words if you think the toy is doing that then you probably have that on your mind.

And I agree it is a well targeted toy, because people will not only buy it for their kids, friends kids, family's kids, etc... but they will also buy it for an adult friend for a laugh. So they are gonna make lots of money off the little joke that everyone is critizing... but isn't that how everything is today :)

But as Slayer said, "If you don't like it, don't spend your money on it."