This article examines the trajectory of North American-based peace groups that mobilized to critique a set of nationalistic symbols, including military and war-related toys and games and their commodification for children. Beginning in the immediate post-World War I period and continuing through the twentieth century, a constellation of peace organizations developed advocacy campaigns aimed at changing consumers' behavior. Activists tailored their efforts to fit their shorter and long-term goals, access to resources, and immediate historical contexts. Over time, peace groups' protests against violent toys and games gained some traction, although the multibillion dollar toy and game industries in the United States continued to market violent entertainment geared toward children. By the turn of the twenty-first century, antiviolence activists were effectively broadening their appeal to North American consumers by linking their concerns to public health campaigns focused on children's safety.
Across North America, Mennonites are widely regarded to be among the most conservative of Christian groups. But in recent decades, Mennonite understandings of LGBTQ+ identity have transformed faith communities, as the engagement of social media-conscious activists such as Pink Menno have contributed to evolving practices regarding sexual minorities in Mennonite churches. Recent ordinations and the growing visibility of queer ministers, chaplains, and theologians have led to recent schism in Mennonite Church USA, with traditionalists departing the denomination in record numbers. The decentralized nature of Mennonitism has contributed to more inclusive policies in the past two decades, although decentralization also allows exclusionary practices to persist in some churches and institutions. This article draws from oral history interviews with thirty Mennonite theologically trained LGBTQ+ leaders from across the United States and Canada. These narratives demonstrate how—in some sectors of the Mennonite community—queer and non-queer people are accelerating changes in historically homophobic spaces.
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