UPDATE: David Bullard tells us in his vlog why he writes what he likes, join the debate.

JOHANNESBURG - The anti-gun brigade have been in the news of late because they have managed to persuade Pick n Pay to take toy guns off their shelves ahead of Christmas. The thinking is that if you give a kid a toy gun he will grow up to be a murderer. Even if he is brought up in the sylvan leafiness of Constantia he will eventually want to go and join a gang on the Cape Flats, get a tattoo, remove all his front teeth and kill people for fun. What a load of bollocks and I'm staggered that Pick n Pay fell for it. Fortunately other toy stockists aren't being so PC and are resisting the entreaties from the nanny anti-gun lobby to stop selling toy guns.

I got my first cap pistol at the age of about 5. I had a Johnny 7 assault rifle which launched seven different missiles, a Sekiden gun which shot dried peas, a very realistic Luger pistol for when I was pretending to be a Nazi SS officer (aged 9) and then I had an air rifle which I used to maim small animals from my bedroom window. These are the ones I can remember and I know I had a lot more. Did I grow up to be a murderer? Well there's still time and I've got a couple of names on my hit list but, thus far, the answer is no. Playing with guns as a child didn't turn me into a serial killer any more than helping my mother to hang out the family washing turned me into a cross dresser.

Quite who came up with this nonsense I'm not sure but the anti-gun lobby should be ashamed of themselves. It's one thing wanting to ban real guns (also a crazy idea) but quite another to insist on banning toy guns. What are growing boys going to play at?  Most of my childhood games involved mud, long grass, sisters gagged and used for target practice and the theme was cops and robbers, cowboys and Indians (or, more correctly, farm hands with bovine expertise and native Americans) and Germans and Tommies. We even had bows and arrows with sharp tips made from bamboo. We had knives for cutting the ropes that bound our hostages. And we had fast bikes for a quick getaway. We lived dangerously in the 1960s. We also had tree houses that we could fall out of. These were built by our fathers and in modern Britain a father could now be arrested for building a tree house if it didn't satisfy rigorous safety standards. And obviously a public health inspector would have to be present if you wanted to play in it.

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We never wore helmets when cycling because we didn't want to look like complete dorks. We bought chocolate cigars and sweet cigarettes in a packet that looked just like a real cigarette packet. There were other more realistic toy cigarettes with a glowing end and fine powder in them. You would blow and a small plume of smoke would come out the end.....very cool at aged ten. And we didn't all grow up to be 40 a day smokers.

So what else do we need to clear off the shelves in the interests of our children's future well being? Well obviously Barbie dolls and their ilk will have to go because they give young girls a quite unhealthy idealised version of what a woman should look like. That can't be good for young boys either. Unless the toy manufacturers agree to bring out chubby lesbian dolls in comfy shoes to balance perceptions of womanhood then curvy blonde dolls should be banned. Obviously train sets should be banned because it encourages people to throw themselves in front of real trains when they grow up. Toy kitchens force girls to only consider a life of domesticity and woodwork sets encourage young boys to become the leader of the ANCYL. Ban them all.

Then there's toy guitars and drums to worry about and all those computer games involving musical instruments. If ever there was a way of turning nice young children into drug ravaged rock demons then this is it. Give a seven year old a toy guitar today and in ten ears time he will he slashing kid's throats in the school playground. Guaranteed. Is it worth the risk? No...ban them.

Which brings me to footballs. These are probably the most harmful and insidious influences on the young mind. Many people donate them to townships thinking they are doing good but a township kid hanging around street corners with nothing to do is far less risky than a kid with a football. Allow a child to play with a football today and be prepared for the delinquent whirlwind that will follow. He will grow up thinking the world owes him a living, become a drunken driver, a sexual philanderer, a collector of kitch and a wife beater. There again, he may just develop enough skills to be part of a future winning national squad. But is it worth the risk?

*After 24 years as a trader in the global financial markets David Bullard decided to opt for an easy life and became a journalist. His iconic "Out to Lunch" column has been running for 15 years and is as offensive as ever. Not that he gives a damn...

Write to David Bullard: davidbullard@moneyweb.co.za

COMMENTS

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responses to this article

I agree Well written David. I totally agree with all you have said. What a well written piece of work, That cigar in your photo is that perhaps the influence of the chocolate cigarettes? Well when i grew up I also had everything imaginable with regards to . .more guns and guess what we had a gardener working for us and he 'borrowed' my guns unbeknown to me at the time and he committed a crime with them pretending they were real guns! I found this out many years later from my mother. By the way I am neither a criminal nor a saint and I went to a catholic school. I was brought up with the values which I hopefully will instill in my children. Do I buy my son guns, yes of course! and the kids shoot each other just as we used to . .less by cori on November 19 2009, 01:15 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Condoms We should also ban condoms as this could lead to sex by JvR on November 19 2009, 04:35 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Specific toy cars Ban BMW X5's and Mercs, they could lead to you ending up a member of the ANC! by Robbie the Grape on November 19 2009, 05:44 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

A question for David "Playing with guns as a child didn't turn me into a serial killer any more than helping my mother to hang out the family washing turned me into a cross dresser." So what, pray tell, did turn you into a cross-dresser? by Justin on November 19 2009, 06:22 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

guns Women have the equipment to become prostitutes: but do they all go down that route? by js on November 19 2009, 06:55 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

well said Well said David. !@#$8 idiots with idotic plans by Riaan on November 19 2009, 07:10 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@ Justin Very sharp for so early. Are you perhaps a contracts lawyer ? by Voortrekker on November 19 2009, 07:30 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

.......... well now if you put it like that........I grew up smoking those toy cigarettes but I have never picked up a real cigarette my whole adult life.... by vel on November 19 2009, 07:41 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Ban Sex Yeah, ban sex, it leads to having children. Children grow up and over-populates the world. This leads to pollution and war. So having sex leads to death and taxes and not procreation. by Band-it on November 19 2009, 07:45 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Football jerseys Ye David how about banning the sale of Bafana Bafana jerseys....kids will aspire to one day playing for these loosers by Charlie on November 19 2009, 07:54 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Bunny huggers These people who want toy guns banned are the same people who say it's okay to call someone from Australia an Aussie but you can't call someone from Pakistan a Paki!!! Ban tree / bunny huggers!!! by michael on November 19 2009, 08:07 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Boredom Clearly this anti-gun brigade have nothing better to do with their time than to think up such drivel. Hopefully, their narrow-minded thinking is not contagious. The public should insist on seeing "proof" of these allegations i.e. in the form of . .more Psychometirc testing and/or general Psychological results...am I making any sense? As far as P & P is concerned, I am officially BOYCOTTING them!!! Pick n Pay, you have officially lost one whitey customer and I'm sure you will neither notice nor care, but I'll know!!!!! . .less by Bonita on November 19 2009, 08:18 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Ban Stupid people I think we should ban stupid poeple from having children to pass their stupidity onto. Also what's with the lead wall paint? I mean if your kid is licking the walls then maybe you have bigger problems than lead poisining. by Vims on November 19 2009, 08:26 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

...is this our fork in the road? ...love's last episode? as always, so well written - but more wrong that the emeritus doctor of wrongness from the univeristy of error this time... guns are bad - all guns and all aspects of guns teach your children . .more well... . .less by phill on November 19 2009, 08:29 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Excellent Excellent article by Dabeetle on November 19 2009, 08:30 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@ Justin. very valid point You see Bullard when you were a kid you pretended to be a SS officer etc etc . Then you pretended to be a trader of global financial markets, now you pretend............actually you don't pretend. You are a loser! by Senhor on November 19 2009, 08:32 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Toys should be restricted because, as you pointed out yourself, children are irresponsible. In school, we pelted other children using home made "ketties". That was idiotic. Why would a gun be considered a toy anyway? by FY on November 19 2009, 08:41 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

OUTLAWS IF YOU OUTLAW GUNS, ONLY THE OUTLAWS WILL HAVE THEM by msholozi on November 19 2009, 08:49 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Thanks Vims Bru that is some seriously funny sh!t right there. Thanks for the lag! by donovan on November 19 2009, 08:54 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Suprise! Suprise! i thought you'd never grow tired of writing about black people every week. did malema get to you? by Dullard on November 19 2009, 09:07 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@SENHOR Senhor, then you must be pretending to have a life? by SP on November 19 2009, 09:10 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Have the "kit" - use it to your advantage (how the world goes round) "@ guns 06h55 Women have the equipment to become prostitutes: but do they all go down that route? JS" Think carefully about that one!! It has varying degrees of truth, depending on the species you are referring to. Humans: . .more the answer is probably a resounding "yes" - sorry Ladies, but think about it - it is how nature intended it to be.... . .less by Raped (financially) on November 19 2009, 09:21 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

To be or not to be... or doo bee doo bee doo... You can take a fool to wisdom but you can't make 'em think! Oh and I just love the Range Rover Sport ad below - "powered by intelligence" driven by government crony idiots with tinted windows! by KZN Rainmaker on November 19 2009, 09:22 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

yeehaaaaa Welcome back young man. Thought we lost you to the dark side (not the yoooth League,ANC BMF etc. Any connection to skin pigmentation and dark and negative is strictly not implied). Looking forward to next week. by Bryan on November 19 2009, 09:25 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Ban Balloons ...they will lead young kids to appreciate the importance of condoms and hence promote promiscuity. by KeeG on November 19 2009, 09:26 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

j Ban porn! It leads to masterbation! by jj on November 19 2009, 09:44 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

j .............hence blindness and hairy palms! Oh yes and rape! by jj on November 19 2009, 09:47 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@JS "Women have the equipment to become prostitutes: but do they all go down that route?". The answer is probably not, however if you turn them on their heads they sure have appropriate money boxes! Well done David, you have again touched most . .more bases, however you failed to address the fact that the Barbie Dollls might induce promiscuity amongst young boys, you know something akin to someone walking through the red light district in Holland! . .less by LongFellow on November 19 2009, 10:04 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

1st vuvuzelas and now toys, whats next? Maybe the powers that be are worried about killing more innocent children. We canot expect our SAPS guys and gals to try and spot the difference between a real and a toy gun when in their lives are always in danger. How about a real life . .more study on the effects of de-toying kids: ban Juju's not-so-real-and-expensive bodyguards and his fancy C63, Range Rover, BMW etc toys...and see what will happen when he grows up. . .less by Black Professional on November 19 2009, 10:07 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Ban politicians! They lead to corruption and national rape! Oh, and bn lawyers and economists also - no special reason, just bekozz! by Munch on November 19 2009, 10:35 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@ SP I missed you! SP is that an abbreviation for SycoPhant? The only thing worse than a loser is the one who tries to support a him in some sort of plutonic crush kind of way. Maybe not so plutonic? HAHAHAHAH i feel normal again abusing you spaffs! by Senhor on November 19 2009, 10:37 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Justin You deserve an e-beer for that zinger oke. by Itachi on November 19 2009, 10:54 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Anti-gun Brigade Thanks David. It would be a good idea if the anti-gun brigade start spending their time and donor-money on something more productive and effective, instead of wasting it on propagating hate for inanimate objects. Our NGO believes that guns don't . .more kill. People kill. Therefore we have been running a pilot Community Safety Program in Somaliland (not Somalia) focusing on behaviour change rather than "burning witches" or rather the BIG BAD GUNZZZ. GFSA and such can learn a lot from here: http://www.danishdemininggroup.dk/about-armed-violence-reduction/ . .less by Rudie on November 19 2009, 11:04 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Ban Pencils Ban pencils because I would rather push one slowly through my eye than read the Sunday Times..... Great article David, until next week then. by Five Roses on November 19 2009, 11:16 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Why toy guitars and footballs should also be banned Once again, brillianto. by AB on November 19 2009, 11:20 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Ban Bullard Reading his notes is liely to make one want to bang one's head against a nearby wall. Is it worth it? No .ban him by Cassandra on November 19 2009, 11:21 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Justin Someone one was bound to ask......It was that seductive silky sensuality of a Janet Reger negligee caressing my hairy beer belly. But I only become Daphne on thursday nights in Rosebank. I try to pick up AVUSA editors in bars...... by David Bullard on November 19 2009, 12:03 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@senhor Plutonic is a rock formed at great depth, platonic is the word you were stretching for. Unsuccessfully. Dweeb. by Paul on November 19 2009, 12:03 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Senhor ....hey. Long time no comment. I'm now a loser with a corporate sponsor. by David Bullard on November 19 2009, 12:06 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

At least At least David is not crying about Jimmy Manyi and the Sunday Times. Well done David! by Sir August de Winter on November 19 2009, 12:13 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Ban the Desperate Housewives! The argument for banning toy guns is akin to asking a ban on fire matches. Also, you want to add the icing to the proverbial cake before it has been baked - first do something about the influx of illegal fire arms. Afterall, we live in SA - . .more hunting, farming and self defense is in our DNA . Toughen up, or get out softies!!! . .less by Chucky on November 19 2009, 12:17 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Thanks David... you just reminded me of how many crookes kaked off in our back garden as a kid. Man do I miss those days... by JanRatkas on November 19 2009, 13:01 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@ David Nice... you may be interested to know that the new Schick mens razor has a built-in bikini trimmer. It does make me wonder which bright spark in their "innovation" dept decided there was an increasing demand for male bikini trimmers, but nonetheless . .more I'm sure can assist with other inconvenient bodily hair. . .less by Justin on November 19 2009, 13:08 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

excellent another excellent article by DB... by concerned citizen on November 19 2009, 13:43 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Justin Maybe it's so that you can offer to trim your partner's bikini line? Ever dated an Argentinian? by David Bullard on November 19 2009, 13:48 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

teeheehee saw a picture of a big old tree in a sydney park - had a perimeter fence with a big sign announcing in red letters: "Beware! This tree may drop branches without warning!" can't believe the pick'npay crowd fell for it. how terribly . .more subservient to the propagators of let's-pretend-to-make-a-difference. . .less by meetjoeblack on November 19 2009, 13:48 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@ DB no no ! I meant Plutonic ! Corporate sponsor? Pwoohahahahahah. Foolish! by Senhor on November 19 2009, 13:58 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Funny and so damn true! GFSA are such a laughable bunch. They are paid by some rich american to spew out this rubbish, even though they know it to be so. Luckily it is very easy to see through their feeble efforts, as they lack real conviction. It is a Pity Pic N . .more Pay fell for this C*** though. . .less by Jacques on November 19 2009, 14:10 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

ROYALTY NO 2 BULLARD should be paid a royalty for introducing the wheel to Southern Africa { the wheel was not seen in Southern Africa prior to his arrival}. The ROYALTY should be 15% of the annual sales of new of motor vehicle plus fuel sales . You will . .more recall that Kenneth Kaunda is the recipient of ROYALTY NO 1 for inventing electricity. . .less by TUT on November 19 2009, 14:12 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Weirdos... Seen this S*** before... me sometimes wonders if Munch, Tuscanite and Senhor are related or in business together or share the same PC... sometimes it's drivel that sprouts... sometimes it's an entertaining read... more times than often not.... by De Ja Poo... on November 19 2009, 14:20 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@ Justin Hey boet how come you know so much about men's bikini trimmers?? Do you use one yourself? by Nick on November 19 2009, 14:29 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Toy guns v Real Guns I would like to know, in South Africa, what proportion of children who owned toy guns grew up to become murderers? Probably a small portion, as most of our crime is socio-enomically driven. Most children who owned toy guns were probably quite well . .more off and well educated, whilst those who didn't also had no other toys, never had any educational opportunities and were forced into a life of crime. . .less by Stephen on November 19 2009, 14:41 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Anti gun lobby Anti gun brigade...what a bunch of useless, delusional morons. Nobody carries a gun because it's fun. They do so because they run a very real risk of encountering a criminal who wants to use one on them. As for toy guns...these PC good for nothing . .more lunatics need to be put back in the asylum. Get a life man!!!! . .less by Nick on November 19 2009, 14:46 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@ Senhor U're a real peach....do us all a favour please and go back to school and ask for your school fees back - It's "an" SS Office not a, and what is "a him" - as in you said "tries to support a him"? When you enter a Battle of Wits its usually a FAB . .more idea to be armed!!!! . .less by Bonita on November 19 2009, 14:49 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Ahh, the infamous Johnny Seven Happy days ... by Sad Days on November 19 2009, 15:10 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Ban Senhor's IP Adress No further comment by Fake Boy on November 19 2009, 15:16 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Really stupid. Ichildren do not play with guns the do not get the message. Which is what guns look like, feel like behind a trigger and can kill even if play play. This is a safety learning curve that kicks in when some one points a gun at you. On seeing your gun, why do you think the would be burglar shouts " he has got . .more a gun !!!" and he and his friends run for it. A gun is the most effective way to communicate with a crook. My own preference for a Shillelagh is just as effective as a gun but you have to hurt the crook first before he runs. With a gun you do not have to hurt anyone unless the attack continues in the face of the gun. But then that event becomes self defence and it matters not with what you hurt your attacker. . .less by Free the Rest on November 19 2009, 15:21 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

ACTION MAN DOLLS These should be banned as boys who play with these ACTION MEN DOLLS became gays.Because all the little boys who wanted to play with guns now have to play with ACTION MEN DOLLS so naturally all boys will be gays. This comment is dumb but that is . .more how dumb these do gooders are. The world is a sick and sad world. Lets go back to the sixties drug sex and rock and roll and flower children. . .less by bab on November 19 2009, 15:42 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

18inch dildos should also be banned They make me feel inferior. by Frog on November 19 2009, 16:03 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

My first experience... with a real weapon was in the army when I was handed my R4... coming from DBN and having played with cap guns and toy guns and squirt guns... which was all innocent fun... this R4 was the real deal... I progressed to learning to fire 81mm mortars . .more and 90mm anti tank guns... it was an experience... to this day I don't carry a weapon... peace out beatnicks... . .less by Sad Sack on November 19 2009, 16:31 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

What a stupid article You let yourself down this time with a particularly stupid article. This type of article has also been done befoe ad naseum. Try again. But..... just maybe, you could be trying to tell us of your cross dressing Nazi fetishes ? by White on November 19 2009, 16:34 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Justin for President!! nice one! by freetoo on November 19 2009, 16:37 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

short cut These days, to save time, i skip straight to the comments and have a laugh, brightens the day and they're usually more interesting than the article. thanks guys. by leanne on November 19 2009, 16:42 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Right on brother Bullfinch! But how do you remember all those childhood firearms? I can hardly remember the adult ones They gave me when they sent me to SWA and Angola in the seventies. Have you been taking your Folic acid every day? As for hanging up the washing, well, we, . .more er, had a woman who did that for us. My penchant for cross dressing came from watching railway policemen . .less by Jeremy Gordin on November 19 2009, 16:47 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Banning things We also need to ban gays from peering out of the showers at Old Ed 's gym whilst us normal oaks are busy toweling our cracks whilst admiring our splendid physiques in the mirrors. To the few Bullard bashers out there...u try and write an . .more article of equal length and see if anyone bothers to read it. Keep up the good work Bullard love your articles . .less by Rob on November 19 2009, 20:26 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

TOO good back on yer head DB. by James I on November 19 2009, 21:40 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Ban Bam a Lame The gun-free lobby does have a point in trying to ban toy guns especially in SA. In SA possessing a realistic looking toy gun or say a pipe (which is what a gun technically is) is liable to get you shot to many smithereens.or at the very least . .more collateralised as damage. So banning things seems so much easier but in reality banning one thing leads to encouraging alternatives which would be much more difficult to control. For instance banning guns will make knife crime incidents soar. A lopped off limb is far messier than a well placed shot. For instance banning things like Senhor from these comments may encourage expression in other means such as writing his own blog or even articles which of course would lower the tone of the entire internet and I would surmise such a foray would cause a DoS effect on Dictionary.com and Theasaurus.com due to the "Scrabble effect" as so aptly demonstrated prior to this. So as ill-regarded as something is, perhaps consider that the alternative is potentially more dire. . .less by EffKay on November 19 2009, 21:55 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

The problem Mr Bullard, is that, to be controversial, you need to be.. well.. controversial... if you know what I mean. But as things stand, you reflect most of our views, well, at least my views, very craftily.. painfully un.PC as it may be. Interesting concept you are . .more experimenting with though. The usual ploy is to rather irritate the reader with the prescribed PC bulsh!t that would offend any reasonable half balanced man.. or person, for that matter, even those who play(ed) with dolls. That would be the normal approach to generating controversy, predictably provoking masses of angry responses and turning dog on dog, while piously retreating to the censorship desk to referee unwanted outliers. Interesting experiment Mr Bullard. Interesting experiment. . .less by Jack on November 19 2009, 21:55 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

The real cause So if it was not 'hanging out the washing' that turned you into a cross dresser, what did? by David on November 19 2009, 22:00 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Excellent... Today I feel good about the poor woodwork results achievedi in std 6. by Vernon Chalmers on November 19 2009, 22:37 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

You forgot the worst... toy to buy a child is a car. Cars cause mayhem. Cars kill many people in South Africa each day. They are used by bankrobbers and hijackers. By buying a child a toy car, bus or truck, you are breeding a generation of roadrage killers or criminals. . .more Kids love crashing toy cars. STOP, there is enough carnage on our roads, enough crime. Don't buy your child a toy car, and definately not a taxi. . .less by G A Barry on November 20 2009, 08:11 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@ Senhor Remember no matter which way you turn, you still got an @rsole stuck to you - and guess what, IT'S YOURS. by Tom Foolery on November 20 2009, 08:37 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Tom Foolery. Oh no I'm heart broken !!! Fake boy! Why ban me. Look how many of you losers read my comments. Bonita! Loser! you spend all day checking spelling mistakes. Your shareholders must love you. Or maybe youre an out of work teacher? Bullard at least you have some fight. But . .more you are still a Walter Mity type! . .less by Senhor on November 20 2009, 09:02 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Band Guns It's amazing how so many people have the same patterns of thinking...That's why ZA is so fckedup.Do any of the commenters have any children, are they at all concerned about their kids' future???????? Band guns,YES, playfullness is where . .more violence begin and it should be stopped somewhere.........I have a 7yr old who does not know how to play gun gun, because I made NO GUNS Rules and instilled it in him since birth . .less by Astoned on November 20 2009, 09:03 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Astoned and banded As the article is trying to point out, it is essential for boys to play those roles of warriors of all kinds. And what the article is trying to point out to you, mam, is that playing those traditional roles does not make of us criminals. Rather, and . .more more importantly, mam, it makes of us healthy, well adjusted men. Men have played these roles for all of human evolution and I find it quite fascinating that you can think that to raise your boy in such a contrived and artificial way will somehow create something that is in tune with his true nature. Playing Indians and Crooks, Boers and Zulus and sommer criminals and cops, gave us the opportunity to develop many very relevant skills, and it taught us how to work together, as men do. I do however remember the great effort I went into to get a very wise old black man on our farm to help me make a Zulu spear and shield according to traditional customs. It was a great adventure for us both, as he had only heard about how to do it from his father. So, after much fuss, I had forged a spear and had crafted a shield using real wet and salted hide. I made many weapons, many of them based on research, and many of them were innovative developments that improved the power and accuracy of bows and arrows, (also the one with a but), air guns and ketties. . .less by Jack on November 20 2009, 09:54 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

../2.. Among those who participated in my gang are today some of the most innovative businessmen and most brilliant engineers in the country. They are also good husbands, good father, good citizens and simply all round good people. And on the . .more Zulu thing, my father appointed this old black man to mentor me in African culture and I do believe I learned a lot about culture, traditions and true history through my little games and playing the roles on both sides of strife in general. You should try playing the other side some day! I also learned to play the piano rather well and I also studied philosophy, hermeneutics, ethics and sociology on the side of my brutally competitive professional life, so do not feel offended if I rock up at the opera or opine on why this society is so very broken. And do not faint when I tell you I believe that, despite our challenges, we live in a wonderful world that was created principally by brave men and that it will be fixed by brave men who could wean themselves from the breasts of their mothers. . .less by Jack on November 20 2009, 09:56 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Astoned Astoned you appear stoned. Did you go to school?? The word you were looking for may have been astounded....and "band guns"? What are they? by RT on November 20 2009, 10:12 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@ Senhor and other B-bashers Do you seriously believe what you write or are you trying to emulate a consumately professional journalist by using his platform to spotlight your own lame efforts ? Shame, how low can you stoop? Could it be jealousy? Do you have some . .more chip on your shoulder? Come on all you negative "budding journos" if you are going to try and upstage David Bullard do it via your own platform and let the public see your talent...or lack of it ! David, keep it going man. Good stuff, as usual. . .less by Devil's Advocate on November 20 2009, 11:53 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Political Correctness is like a cancer This is the problem with Political Correctness ...it usually emanates from a tiny little insignificant source (in this case being Gun Free South Africa), then spreads like a cancer. It was even enough to weaken the knees of the mighty Pick n Pay. . .more Pick n Pay are pathetic to have pandered to this nonsense. Do they really think the public would have cared if they had told GF to go to hell? This submission by PnP helps give credibility to this little organisation which it really doesn't deserve. . .less by Airwolf on November 20 2009, 12:04 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

P P&P do this EVERY year Christmas time Publicity you see! They always sneak those toys back a month or so after Christmas when people are not so emotial.Sales you see! by Sak on November 20 2009, 13:57 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

They overdo things and take away our freedom to choose Yes, I also had a toy gun and played cowboys and crooks. Today, I don't even have a gun and where I stay I probably need one. Can't these simpletons just go jump into the see...they truly are useless to society in general. by tired on November 20 2009, 19:38 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

I'm with the crossdressing Bullard C** catapultae proscriptae erunt, tum soli proscripti catapultas habebunt. by Darwin on November 20 2009, 20:12 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Astoned "According to Ellen Booth Church, former professor of early childhood education, education consultant and author, "Pretend play...promotes abstract thinking. The ability to use a prop (such as a block) as a symbol for something else (such as a . .more phone) is a high-level thinking skill." Children begin using their thumb and forefinger, a stick, or some other item to simulate a gun sometime between age three and five. This is not a cause for alarm, but a healthy process which enables the child to integrate what he or she has learned about guns into his sense of right and wrong, fair play, and consideration for others. When children are forbidden something, it becomes all the more fascinating. When they are taught a healthy respect for dangerous items, however, and taught a code of proper behavior with those items, they learn to use other, higher-level problem-solving skills . .less by Frank on November 22 2009, 15:55 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

"....should also be banned" @ Jaques: No, not an American actually, a Hungarian billionaire by the name of George Soros, who you'll find described very accurately as Satan, here: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1014756/posts Soros you see is the owner of . .more The Open Society Foundation, the primary funders of Gun Fearful South Africa. Excellent article Mr Bullard, I discussed this very issue on SABC 3-talk last year (also just before Christmas) -with Gun Free's 'Paranoid Pam' Crowesley. Both hers, as well as the 'duty shrinks' opinions on 'no toy guns for kids' were utterly squished by contrary argument from far more qualified sources than theirs. But every year, just before Christmas, you'll read the perrenial letter from some anti-gun-nut (often a GFSA closet-case) telling us all the terrible consequences of 'kids with toy guns' will cause. As you so succinctly put it yourself; "It's all bollocks".Yes David, frankly it is. Martin Hedington. Administrative Officer: Black Gun Owners Association of South Africa. www.bgoasa.co.za . .less by Martin Hedington on November 22 2009, 16:31 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

GFSA's lies Well now. Direct questions to P'nP reveals that they have and want nothing to do with GunFree SA. They state that their 'no realistic toy guns' policy goes back 40 years. They do sell water pistols. It seems that GunFree just lied, as . .more usual. Why are we surprised? . .less by Paul on November 23 2009, 07:11 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

excellent article absolutely brilliant David these GFSA liar's are indeed asinine to the extreme. such blatant liars! by Bryan on November 23 2009, 09:15 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Uberliberals Bet some of these GFSA dweebs packed for Aus. That's why their primary schools have a "no running" policy - even on the grass at break time! Next thing they'll ban glass bottles and paper (someone could get cut). How about banning kitchen knives . .more (much more dangerous than toy guns) and we all just eat with our fingers. Chopstix could take an eye out. Seriously though - if a criminal wants to rob someone and they can't get a toy gun I guess they'll just borrow a real one! . .less by Dre on November 23 2009, 09:21 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Toy guns I was very disappointed in your views of toy guns because your expirience one side of the coin which is white side. Im a black male of 30 and live in the township, I have not grown interest in gun toys because of my religion at my early stages. And . .more that itself give me a phobia of handling real guns.My living condition sometimes makes me want to get the gun n make cash but because I have dissassociated myself with guns its terrifying for me to make a hold up. But since you are an economist I understand your point of view. We might as well give them all toys to play with including sex ones. . .less by Ronald on November 23 2009, 14:19 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@ Ronald I would imagine that it isn't your phobia of hanfdling guns that is preventing you from becoming a criminal, but rather your 'religion' and other decent upbringing. Well, at least, I hope so. by Paul on November 23 2009, 15:36 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

from Nigeria http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/letters/article02//indexn2_html?pdate=211009&ptitle=South%20African%20experience South African experience SIR: On Thursday October 1, 2009, the National Chairman of our great party Chief Bisi . .more Akande; the Lagos State Chairman of the Party in Lagos, Chief Dele Ajomale; his wife; the representative of the Governor and my humble self left for South Africa to inaugurate the chapter of our party. Business finished on Saturday October 2 and 3, 2009 in both Pretoria and Johannesburg . We had Sunday October 4 to look around. It was my first visit to South Africa and what I saw stunned me. Am I in Africa or Europe ? Am I in America ? Is this another Singapore ? Could this be true? Where was Nigeria when South Africa was putting all these structures in place? If the white man did all these in South Africa why were the Nelson Mandelas of this world complaining? If South Africans got their independence on a platter of gold the way Nigeria got hers in 1960, would there have been all these structures I am seeing here today? Impossible! From what I saw on ground in South Africa , it looked as if all the companies and industries all over the world are physically present there. Ah! Nigeria has been left behind. South Africa is the potential and undisputable leader in Africa . Thanks to the white South Africans. I came to the unhappy conclusion that the mosquitoes that drove the whites away from Nigeria in 1960 did a colossal and unmitigated damage to Nigerians. I again asked myself these questions: How many black Africans did the whites kill before surrendering power to them? How many Nigerians have been killed by Nigerian leaders since they took over power from the whites in 1960? Let us compare the figures. I am sure the supreme prize South Africans paid to have the South Africa I see today will be so infinitesimal compared with what our leaders have killed to remain in power in Nigeria . What I am saying is that God should have allowed the whites to tarry for at least more 30 years in Nigeria and we would have been better for it. Mandela survived 27 years in prison because the whiteman was a better person. He could not have survived 10 years in prison in Nigeria . My conclusion after seeing what I saw in South Africa is that the whites left Nigeria in a hurry, and that is why we are suffering today. Had the whites tarried in Nigeria , Nigeria would have been like South Africa today. I want the whites back in Nigeria ! Joe Igbokwe, Lagos . . .less by sisi on November 23 2009, 20:20 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Toy guns David must be smoking something. The difference between a toy gun and a football is huge. And maybe you were lucky enough to grow up in a responsible house where the difference between "real" and "fake" could be pointed out. I think in a big part . .more some communities in SA that does not happen, and the "overflow" from playing with toy guns to REAL guns is really small because "daddy" and other adults are "playing" with REAL guns.... grow up David, see SA for what it is. I support PnP 100% . .less by Francoisvdm on November 24 2009, 07:49 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@ Francoisvdm Nope! David is making a very valid point about how stupid this whole non-issue actually is! He has reduced the elements in the 'debate' to an absurdity in order to illustrate his point. Quite simply, if children cannot role-play, they can never . .more learn to be responsible adults. If we, as society, remove toy guns from children so they cannot learn in a safe environment about what is acceptable and what is not, how will they 'know' what is right and what is wrong later in life. Instead of hiding the world away from children we need to educate them about the world. Using toy guns to 'gunproof' children will lead to safer, more responsible adults. . .less by Paul on November 24 2009, 12:58 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Teaching children teh wrong things Congratulations to David for having the balls to tell it like it is. There simply is a huge amount of evidence to suggest that those who promote this oppressive ideology of toy guns and children are wrong. Wait there is worse ro come . .more because GFSA are right now in a pilot scheme that the department of education will implement, teaching school children to HATE GUNS. Our children will be indoctrinated at school level to hate and fear guns, not educated to respect and use a very important tool that simply cannot be seen as any danger to the public. It is criminals now given a free ride by the gun haters and those who fear guns that are the problem. Do not give GFSA, government and criminals a free ride. Complain and object because if you don't then this is the way you want your children educated. . .less by Crimefree on November 25 2009, 15:24 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

ban guns I really hope more people will read Davids articles as he says what most people think but dont have the courage to say. I have always enjoyed his articles and I have never considered him a racist but only a realist and a very intelligent . .more classist. When he speaks the truth many dont like this as it is to near the "bone" . .less by Barry Taylor on November 26 2009, 19:55 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Senhor If being educated and knowing how to spell makes me a "LOSER", then hey, I wear that banner with pride - and no I am not an out-of-work teacher. I don't go around looking for mistakes you wombat! Your spelling and grammar errors are too offensive . .more to miss!!!!! And yes we are unfortunately forced to read your comments since they are there one under the other - not by choice I can assure you.....do us all a favour and add your illilterate, nonsensical comments to a column where us educated readers wont have to be exposed to you - like Huis Genoot or YOU magazine or something like that........OVER AND OUT LOSER!!!! . .less by Bonita on November 30 2009, 15:35 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Banning of 'Toy Guitars Dear Mr. BullYard, wot a load of Bull ! In my opinion, your arguments are ALL out of context! You talk about 'Apples and Pears' and then write about orange juice. Your childhood experiences (50yrs ago??) are no more relevant to 'THE NOW ', . .more as me 'using my moderen loo' and people throwing 'excrement out the windows' 600yrs ago! When you were a kid, there were'nt an average of - 25000 documented murders a year, violent at that, road rage, massive unemployment, rapes 'per second'. I am aware that i live in a country that has a 'GREAT Hunger' for 'Blood Sport', including 'Celebratory animal Slaughter in 'Name of Traditions'. You mention use of a toy rifle you had as a kid that 'shot dried peas. I had a guy in my class at school the 'shot his brother's eye out by accident' using a similar toy. I agree that only 'criminals use their weapons, (and don't require liscences or safes), but i feel that in the NOW modern times we live in, 'Toy Guns' can only incite youngsters', as do violent movies, the reality and comprehension is 'lost' and not understood by children, they don't hve the capacity to understand BECAUSE they are children. There are SO many cases of kids shooting their brothers or sisters with unattended REAL firearms, and you would know this, since you live here. . .less by Rui Cunha on January 01 2010, 19:14 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

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