c. 1996 Religion News Service

WASHINGTON _ A toy based on the movie”Independence Day”that includes models of real public buildings that collapse when”bombed”is among the toys that a Maryland organization is urging parents not to purchase this holiday season.

Daphne White, executive director of The Lion & Lamb Project based in Bethesda, Md., said the”dirty dozen”toys glorify violence.”It is up to parents to `take back’ our children from this culture of violence,”said White, founder of the organization that seeks to steer parents away from toys that promote violence.”It’s very dangerous as adults to draw conclusions on how a child sees a toy,”said David Miller, president of the New York-based Toy Manufacturers of America.”I empathize with people who are concerned about violence. And in a sense we applaud this group for their concern about their children. As an industry, we feel that toys don’t breed violent children. People should choose what they feel is good for their children.” Most of the toys included in the Lion & Lamb Project’s list of unacceptable playthings are of the fierce-looking, action-model variety. Here’s the complete list, with manufacturer, price and assessments by the Lion & Lamb Project.

Independence Day Micro Battle Playset _ Defend New York City. Recommended for ages 4 and above. The toy comes with models of four real buildings, including the World Trade Center, which collapse when”bombed.”(Trendmasters, $8)

GI Joe Extreme Deluxe Figure Series. Action characters with such names as Iron Claw, Inferno, and Sgt. Savage. Each figure comes with its own weapon and detachable battle armor. (Kenner, $8)

Nerf Chainblazer Blaster. An automatic dart gun that shoots up to eight suction-cup darts in rapid succession. According to the Lion & Lamb Project, the toy makes shooting weapons”look exciting, safe, soft and fun.”(Kenner, $15)

Spiderman Venom Planet of the Symbiotes: Scream. Based on the Marvel comic series, Scream is a female action figure with a featureless black-and-white face and sensual-appearing yellow body, according to Lion & Lamb. The figure comes in a box that describes her”mentally deranged.”(Toy Biz, $8)

Goosebumps Dread Head. Based on a TV show, the toy is described as a plastic head wrapped as a mummy with red eyes and no other facial features. Accompanied by a bucket of”yellow mummy matter.”(Kenner, $7)

Spawn Ultra Action Figure: Tremor II. Based on the comic book series”Spawn,”this figure, which”pumps vital body fluid,”is called the”Mafia’s first attempt at making the ultimate killing machine.”(McFarland Toys, $8)

Total Justice. A group of superhero action figures, each with its own weapon.”Like the other action figure scenarios, the story line here confuses the concept of justice with physical strength and magical powers,”according to The Lion & Lamb Project. (Kenner, $6)

Evil Mutants X-Men. Another group of action figures that come with weapons,”Senyaka,”one of the heroes, is described as”perhaps the most ruthless soldier”in the set. (Toy Biz, $7)

Dragon Flys: Poseable Action Figures. Action figures that”directly promise violent play and little else,”according to Lion & Lamb. (Galoob, $12-$25)

Talking Street Force. A series of”large, fierce-looking”action figures that say things such as”Don’t move, hot shot!”and”Don’t even try it!”followed by the sound of submachine gun blasts. (Tara, $15)

Voice Bot. A toy that transforms from a vehicle to a warrior with voice-activated controls. Comes with three missiles that can be launched by voice suggestion. (Toy Biz, $20)

Power Ranger Sound Effects, Gloves and Boots. Matching items worn on hands and feet”to make play fighting appear realistic and exciting.”The gloves and boots have sound effects that make fighting noises when kicking or throwing a punch. (Happiness Express, $20 each)

MJP END RNS