American Girl dolls: the anti-Bratz
posted at 10:21 am on December 29, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
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I’m not sure how I managed to avoid the American Girl doll phenomenon for so long. I have one son, the Mathemagician, and during his childhood mostly had to contend with Nintendos and Mario Brothers. (Dolls and figurines might have been a blessed reprieve from that incessant video-game music.) The Little Admiral hadn’t pulled us into the AG craze, at least not until now, and only last week did I discover that my daughter-in-law has long been a fan of the doll line. With a visit this week from family, we set out to the new AG store at the Mall of America, where I got to experience the phenomenon first hand.
That’s not to say I went entirely willingly. The Mathemagician and I actually planned our escape shortly after arriving, but we were warned in no uncertain terms by the First Mate and the DIL that we would … enjoy ourselves, or else. The Little Admiral was delighted, clearly having the time of her life, and I went through the displays of historical dolls to pass the time while everyone else shopped.
At its base, American Dolls are just like every other marketed toy line — it exists to sell product, and it has lots of product to sell. They feed the collector impulse by constantly releasing new models and discontinuing certain older ones, and they follow the Gillette model of accessorizing for maximum sales. To me, that’s neither good nor bad, but simply consumer-driven behavior. Their success at it is impressive, and their care in presenting it shows a large investment in protecting the model.
Still, one can say the same thing about the Bratz girl dolls, which I’ve criticized sharply for years. They’re just providing what consumers apparently want, too. The difference is that the AG makers (now owned by Mattel) have a sense of some responsibility to their patrons. The regular dolls are pretty much the same as any other, especially the Bitty Baby line, but their historical dolls tell stories of American history, self-assurance, and pioneer spirit. They get pretty expensive, too, but at least they send a message that serves a far better purpose than the rank and tawdry sexuality of the Bratz line and the self-absorption of Barbie.
I’m always leery of marketing campaigns aimed at children, but at least the American Girls line has redeeming qualities to it. That’s not to say that I’m going to love shopping at the store, but at least I can add to the Little Admiral’s collection with a clear conscience — and hopefully help teach her some of the values that make this nation great at the same time.
Addendum: I am aware of the controversy that erupted in 2005 over AG’s connection to Girls Inc. They did some cross-promotional work, which angered conservatives after Girls Inc support for abortion came to light. Mattel ended that relationship at the end of 2005, and as far as I know, has kept American Girl out of reproductive politics ever since.
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the bratz are stupid, American girl is fine, but its not cheap.
rob verdi on December 29, 2008 at 10:26 AM
Mall of America? Did you stop at the Mall Mosque and rinse off your feet? Or was there a boxing day line up for the bidets?
BL@KBIRD on December 29, 2008 at 10:29 AM
I’m surprised that there haven’t been stories in the MSM making fun of them and claiming they are detrimental to a girl’s self-image somehow.
I hope in the next few years there will be a new groundswell of Patriotism. Hey, I can dream, can’t I?
kingsjester on December 29, 2008 at 10:29 AM
I remember getting Molly when I was eight. Back then, there was no AG stores and everything had to be ordered through a magazine. The dolls are heirlooms and are great gifts for the tween set.
That being said I’ve become pretty discouraged by American Girls’ newest business model. It’s my understanding that they’re discontinuing some of the historical dolls, which is pretty sad. :(
Illinidiva on December 29, 2008 at 10:33 AM
Hard hitting reporting there Ed.
muyoso on December 29, 2008 at 10:41 AM
American Girl is not affordably priced for the average American family, especially in this economy. Bratz dolls are. That’s part of the problem. Also, American Girl pushed a hippie chick doll, one year. Do you want your daughter to emulate that? Not really. Do your research, Ed.
Debbie Schlussel on December 29, 2008 at 10:42 AM
Even Madame Alexander, I’m pretty sure, did a hippie-chick doll. I have a 7-year old who’s a huge AG fan, and in a house where we don’t allow anything Hannah Montana, American Girl is welcomed and encouraged. Watch the movie “Kitt Kittridge, American Girl,” or read the accompanying book and your mind will be set at ease.
greggriffith on December 29, 2008 at 10:47 AM
You can always count on Debbie to do the Bull in the China Shop.
Also, American Girl pushed a hippie chick doll, one year. Do you want your daughter to emulate that?
Oh, I’m sure my daughter’s head would explode if she even gazed upon the Hippie Girl doll. Streams of Petuli Oil would come firing out of her eyes.
Grow up.
AYNBLAND on December 29, 2008 at 10:48 AM
Get a grip. Yes, I saw the “hippie girl” (1974), which looks almost exactly as “hippie” as Marcia Brady. She had beads on the bed and a fuzzy foot rug. It’s a far sight from the cheap streetwalkers of the Bratz line, whose inexpensive nature doesn’t make them any better for young girls.
Some toys and dolls are more expensive than others. That’s hardly news. They seem to be selling pretty well at their current price point. That’s the market at work. Maybe other manufacturers will get a clue and produce some more wholesome role models at lower price points to compete. In the meantime, I’m not going to rip Mattel for at least presenting an option other than streetwalkers and self-absorption for girls of my granddaughter’s age.
Ed Morrissey on December 29, 2008 at 10:50 AM
@ Ed Morrissey on December 29, 2008 at 10:50 AM
I imagine you tucking like Buffalo Bill from Silence of the Lambs in full makeup as you write this nonsense.
muyoso on December 29, 2008 at 10:53 AM
I have a friend who was with the original American Girl start up business in Madison, WI. She still works at the AG hospital where you can have any AG doll repaired for little of nothing. I have 7 grandchildren (5 girls). I have bought more AG dolls than you would like to know – they have multiples. It is costly, but they are great. Also, you have built-in “know what to buy” present lists – because they tend to want all the accessories, furniture, suitcases, clothes, etc. to go with them. FYI – I purchased Nikki for $86 and after she retired the price shot up to $200 or more. So, they are an investment if you know what to pick and put away. Girls love them and it is a great way to teach values via the doll. How refreshing, huh?
suzyk on December 29, 2008 at 10:54 AM
Get a grip. Yes, I saw the “hippie girl” (1974), which looks almost exactly as “hippie” as Marcia Brady. She had beads on the bed and a fuzzy foot rug.
And that’s what millions of girl’s bedrooms looked like in 1974, my sister’s included.
Mr. D on December 29, 2008 at 10:54 AM
I’m sure that most American families spend more than $90 per year on their children’s Christmas gifts, so it is in most families’ Christmas range. Families might have to cut back on the amount of Christmas presents a child receives, but a tween girl is old enough to understand that money doesn’t grow on trees and that she might not receive everything she wants.
As for the 70s doll, she is as wholesome as the other ones.
Illinidiva on December 29, 2008 at 10:54 AM
Also – everybody lay off Ed. For those of us with young daughters, finding dolls, movies and books that aren’t designed to turn them into sluts at age eight gets more difficult every day. If you don’t have a young daughter, then you need to just trust us – dolls and such loom large in their lives, and by extension, in yours as well. We’re not just talking about just playthings, but things that help parents instill values in their daughters. Certainly not the only thing, but one of many things. Lots of conversations at bedtime or around the dinner table at my house have been sparked by questions about the Depression, or charity, or preparedness, or patriotism, prompted by American Girl dolls, books, or movies.
greggriffith on December 29, 2008 at 10:54 AM
Ed, you can always shop AG online! You get to completely avoid the store and the Little Admiral will be extremely happy!
I have a 19 month old niece. I can’t wait until her third birthday to buy her a Bitty Baby!
IrishGirl17 on December 29, 2008 at 10:54 AM
I write about what’s on my mind. You don’t like it? I’ll send you your refund. “Tucking like Buffalo Bill” sounds a lot more revealing about you than it does about me.
Ed Morrissey on December 29, 2008 at 10:54 AM
Get off Ed’s a$$, will ya?
I’m sure you’re all aware that Bratz lost a lawsuit to the makers of Barbie, correct? I personally think Bratz dolls look like sluts.
My 11 yo daughter and I like dolls formerly made by the makers of Barbie – Wee Three Friends. Darling little dolls that look like tween girls. Of course they were run out of town by the Bratz. I hope Wee Three Friends makes a comeback.
Oink on December 29, 2008 at 10:56 AM
@ Ed Morrissey on December 29, 2008 at 10:54 AM
No its fine.
ChildrensLittle girls dolls are on your mind. Got it.muyoso on December 29, 2008 at 10:58 AM
Ed Morrissey on December 29, 2008 at 10:50 AM
My niece got a bunch of the books for Christmas. I had about the same reaction as you when she showed me the “hippy chick” (her words). I don’t even think she was wearing bell-bottoms. They just don’t make hippies like they used to.
muyoso on December 29, 2008 at 10:53 AM
Dang man, don’t you have any girls in your family?
RightOFLeft on December 29, 2008 at 10:59 AM
Apparently, anyone with a thought about taking his granddaughter shopping is either a pervert or a pansy, according to your values. You must be a frightened little man.
Ed Morrissey on December 29, 2008 at 11:02 AM
The American Girl line is way more than dolls. The line begins with books. The dolls are the add-on.
The books are awesome. They are surpassingly well-written, very educational, and a very fun read. My eldest daughter got hooked on them when she was 7 and just learning to read (they are meant for ages 9+, but she began reading very early). She read, literally, every single American Girl book on the market.
I recommend them very highly.
______________
RJGatorEsq. on December 29, 2008 at 11:02 AM
American Girl doesn’t seem to recieve the amount of mass marketing that Barbie and Bratz do, so they may in fact be a niche market for collectors.
Granted that all doll lines are inherently collectible, and there is a huge historic Barbie collector market. That being said, Barbie seems to have more of a mass consumption focus and the serious collecting market is probably just a lucrative aside.
Because AG seems to be more collector oriented, the relative rarity of each doll would lead to an increase in the market price.
Or in other words: Supply meets demand, equilibrium price ensues.
BKennedy on December 29, 2008 at 11:04 AM
The books are actually pretty easy reads although they are meant for children 9+. They are pretty slender chapter books, so any child who can read Charlotte’s Web or Ramona should be fine with them.
Illinidiva on December 29, 2008 at 11:07 AM
Do they have the full-burkha doll yet? If not, expect an ACLU or CAIR lawsuit, fueled by our “progressive” media.
ex-Democrat on December 29, 2008 at 11:20 AM
Thanks for this post…you remind me of how sick some of you posters are.
A grandfather taking his granddaughter to look at dolls, and you find that disturbing?
Your post gives me the shivers and creeps…I hope you don’t live in my neighborhood.
right2bright on December 29, 2008 at 11:22 AM
Wow, I had seen a special report on one of the news channels a few years ago about American Girl dolls…forgot all about them. Honestly, I’m surprised they’re still around…given they’ve always been more expensive, and given their camp value as “proper” dolls.
Kids usually seem to want things that they see advertised on TV, or that their friends have. I’ve not seen an ad for American Girl dolls…which is probably part of the problem.
JetBoy on December 29, 2008 at 11:24 AM
The dolls are not cheap, in every sense of the word. They are a well made toy, and backed by service.
During the later years of the Great Depression, Lionel Trains were not cheap – $21 & $28 dollar sets were a weeks pay – but they were well made, and the company provided parts and service, and some of those toys are still in use today.
Same is true for AG – and things like books, well written and fairly acurate, provide something more than your average doll.
AG’s line of “a doll that looks like me” is astonishing – black dolls that look like black people, not just a ‘brown Barbie” made from the same mold. The line includes complexion, hair, eye, and nose variations, so that even Obama’s half sister could get an appropriate doll.
Wander on December 29, 2008 at 11:26 AM
We just donated all of our old AG dolls to St Vincent Depaul. My youngest girl was told to weed out some of her stuff and that’s what got thrown into the heap. I was not pleased but did not argue. She hasn’t played with them for years and they were just collecting dust. Someone else will get to love them now. That makes me happy.
Did not know Mattel owns AG now. I wonder if the dolls are even American now, or if they are produced in China. If anyone has the answer, don’t tell me. It would break my heart.
sheesh on December 29, 2008 at 11:28 AM
uh……..
rude.
First, the “economy” is what you make it. If someone saves up for these dolls, like my mother did for my sister AND I in tough times, it is not only doable, it is cherished. Secondly, plenty of people dressed like the hippie in AG while not adopting the ideology.
I think this is a fluff piece, yeah, but is that always bad? It’s part of culture and I always appreciate a human interest interlude between railing against socialism and battling Islamic jihad. And, as a parent of a little girl, I cannot WAIT to start buying her these dolls. As it is, she is only one and will destroy them. Thanks, Ed. I love, love, love reading about your precious family.
Mommypundit on December 29, 2008 at 11:33 AM
With American Girl, you pay for the fine quality and attention to detail. I mean, just browse the site. When the doll gets damaged, you send it to the “hospital” and they come back with a new hairstyle, a hospital gown, certificate, etc. They really leave nothing out. It is a little girl’s dream.
But, the burka comment is pretty funny. Don’t give them any ideas.
Mommypundit on December 29, 2008 at 11:36 AM
Actually, it is not just collectors that love the dolls. Every nine/ ten year old girl that I know has an AG doll and when I was nine/ ten all of my friends have one. Despite not spending money on their dolls, AG has done a remarkable job advertising. Their marketing plans are really unique Rather than TV commercials, they create wholesome books and magazines to pump up interest in the dolls and even movies. (The Kit Kittredge movie probably helped them move quite a few dolls in that collection.) They also are quite good at using special events to make their stores inviting. In Chicago, the little girls can go to the store and have mother-daugther teas with their dolls, they can get the same hair style as their doll, they can get their pictures taken with their doll and splashed up on a big screen, etc. There are even hotel packages in Chicago, where the doll gets a special bed and there are other “extras.” As a business geek (and hopefully a MBA student), I think that how AG markets their dolls would make for an interesting case study.
Illinidiva on December 29, 2008 at 11:39 AM
AG also makes a great line of books for girls, i.e, care and keeping of you which teaches girls about what will happen to them during puberty, the feelings book-teaches girls how to deal with all of the complex feelings they have during their growing up years, friends-teaches girls how to be a friend, what to look for in a friend, and how to keep good friends, etc.
In addition to those books, when a doll is purchased or an outfit is purchased, a book related to the doll or the outfit is included. These are age appropriate books that promote friendship, honor, honesty, etc while also promoting the fun of reading.
While AG is expensive, it is an all around good product for girls to have.
texasconserv on December 29, 2008 at 11:41 AM
Can you say “Master’s Thesis“?
BKennedy on December 29, 2008 at 11:43 AM
Yep.. It would actually be a pretty good thesis. :)
Illinidiva on December 29, 2008 at 11:46 AM
Don’t be surprised if this guy is one of those social workers for Child Protective Services, who are (in)famous for abusing their power… or someone with the grudge and the intent of reporting Capt’n Ed to them…
There’s nothing wrong with Grandpa going with granddaughter to the store to look at dolls! What has society gone to? Nowadays, no one can have the right to treat their family as such. That’s sad.
newton on December 29, 2008 at 11:49 AM
Heaven forfend Ed Morrissey be a real person Mommypundit ;).
Seriously haters: if you want amorphous, impersonal, wall to wall politics here, just go and read Allahpundit’s posts. Technically speaking, Allahpundit exists only on the internet. He may in fact be a robot. But not the humping kind. Probably.
BKennedy on December 29, 2008 at 11:52 AM
Um, everyone dressed like a hippie in 1974. People who do it in the 2000s and beyond have an agenda to go with their clothing. And American Girl’s association with Girls, Inc. wasn’t just troubling because of abortion.
Girls, Inc. isn’t just a pro-choice organization, it’s a rabid feminist organization that has an entirely poisonous agenda. Again, Ed, please do research. That you would excuse American Girl’s association with this rabid feminazi group as not a big deal is kind of like your multiple posts praising and gushing over Grover Norquist, the Islamic jihad’s most effective Republican. To you, that’s apparently not a big deal either.
It is not I who needs to “get a grip.” It’s you who needs to get real.
Debbie Schlussel on December 29, 2008 at 11:55 AM
I’ve accepted the fact that my two daughters are going to be girlie girls and nothing I can do can change that..
so far, they like the Little Pet Shop (little bobble headed animals..) Dora and My Little Pony.. and any Disney/Pixar movie..
I think I’ve seen my future..
and I am glad Bratz aren’t involved. (would have been banned anyway)
DaveC on December 29, 2008 at 11:57 AM
Good lord, what is with all the vitriol over dolls? There’s nothing wrong with a post about them…sheesh.
changer1701 on December 29, 2008 at 11:57 AM
Thanks for the addendum, Ed. I always wondered what happened with that. I told my daughter that we couldn’t buy from AG anymore…but it was about the time she was getting out of the doll phase anyhow. I am so happy they ended that relationship with Girls Inc.! By the way, I did notify the company the reason “why” I was cancelling from their mailing list.
My daughter absolutely loved her AG dolls during the years she played with them. They are definitely worth the extra expense.
ConMom on December 29, 2008 at 11:59 AM
and the occasional robot posting.. and Pink Floyd/Asteroid devastating the Earth video..
DaveC on December 29, 2008 at 12:00 PM
Um, everyone dressed like a hippie in 1974. People who do it in the 2000s and beyond have an agenda to go with their clothing.
Debbie Schlussel on December 29, 2008
my niece ( who just graduated from high school) would wear hippie garb only because she thought it looked cool..
not everyone has an agenda..
DaveC on December 29, 2008 at 12:02 PM
What is politics nowadays aside from random, unintelligible crap and youtube videos anyway?
BKennedy on December 29, 2008 at 12:02 PM
The doll wars are a microcosm of class wars.
American Girls = affluent, upper middle class, conservative values.
Bratz = welfare, lowbrow, liberal/socialist values.
For the middle class there is Barbie, although most of the middle class moms I know dislike her. She’s not the Barbie they knew and loved 20-30 years ago (when she was an astronaut or a CEO). Most middle class moms I know dislike Bratz and prefer American Girls, however, the price tag is too steep. I have noticed that Target has come up with their own line of dolls, My Generation, that emulates American Girls without the painful price.
I was stunned the first time I saw a Bratz doll and was certain it was intended as an adult gag gift that a stockist mistakenly put in the toy section. I was horrified when I realized they were actually being marketed to children. The way they have been embraced by a significant portion of the population is a pretty serious statement on how far the American culture and social value system has declined. When I heard that a judge ordered that production of the little beasts be stopped, I was quite happy. At least now I won’t have to feel like I’m in the red light district every time I go to the toy store.
ExcessivelyDiverted on December 29, 2008 at 12:03 PM
So why did you have to bring in Caroline Kennedy into this?
:)
DaveC on December 29, 2008 at 12:04 PM
Actually, in Schlussel’s case, get a brain would be more appropriate. Remember the EVIL MEXICAN EAGLE PIN?!!!
Stupid bimbo.
rightwingprof on December 29, 2008 at 12:06 PM
I take it back.. my niece did have an agenda.. to try to look cool to her peers..
did it work? no idea..
is she beyond that now? pretty sure she is..
(very smart young woman who supported Sarah Palin in the election)
DaveC on December 29, 2008 at 12:08 PM
I bought my three year old niece a Vtec “laptop” for Christmas. She likes to play on her dad’s computer and lock it up, so I figured her parents would like it too.
Asher on December 29, 2008 at 12:09 PM
Um, yeah, except that the doll is supposed to represent how girls dressed and accessorized in 1974. That’s why it’s part of their “historical” line. They have a doll for many decades in American history, starting in 1774 and going through 1974. Try doing a little research yourself, Debbie.
As for the remarks on Grover Norquist … you will twist any thread to get your own agenda across, won’t you? Pathetic trollism.
Ed Morrissey on December 29, 2008 at 12:09 PM
Funny. :D
I am glad I raised my daughters before the bratz dolls came out. My girls had Barbies and my oldest got a lot of collector ones. I wouldnt have bought bratz for them anyway.
I think the American Girl dolls are appropriate and I also see nothing wrong with this topic at all.
becki51758 on December 29, 2008 at 12:09 PM
I’m sorry but do you actually have any experience with Girls, Inc? Girls, Inc is the only chance some inner city girls have. At least here in Dallas they are the only reason some of these girls from broken homes aren’t prostitutes or drug addicts by high school. They encourage abstinence and self reliance. Almost all their girls go to college. Damn them for being so rabid and feminist.
(I’m kidding, don’t damn them, bless them)
Thanks for the heads up, Ed. I am expecting a little girl and was wondering where one could find dolls that aren’t little hoochies. I’m not amish so I really don’t have time to make her the perfect doll. :P
Doppleganker on December 29, 2008 at 12:15 PM
The “hippie” girl is one of AG’s newest historical dolls. Hard to believe it, but the 1970s are long past for girls who were born in 2000.
As for the Girls, Inc. controversy, it seems that everyone else has moved on. AG wants to sell dolls, they don’t want to foist a certain agenda on America’s youth. When they realized the controversy, they stopped associating with the company.
Illinidiva on December 29, 2008 at 12:15 PM
Ed, I eat, drink, sleep, live, and breathe politics, but even so, I get SICK of it.
So, I appreciate posts like this one. It brought a smile.
Sorry a lot of posters simply have to find something to get their panties in a wad about.
___________
RJGatorEsq. on December 29, 2008 at 12:17 PM
At the risk of getting blasted, could someone please tell me what is wrong with a “Hippie Chick” doll? I’m one of those original Hippie Chicks, I went to Woodstock, did my fair share of wild things, but I grew up into a well educated and productive member of society. Being a hippie back in the 60’s and early 70’s was just another part of our culture (and no, I’m not talking about those crazy, bomb throwing radicals, please don’t lump me in with those)and a colorful time in our history. Just like “poodle skirts, blue suede shoes and all the rest of the great fads that came to pass.
I don’t have any daughters, so I haven’t yet had the chance to experience the AG experience, but good for all of those here who able to. BTW, I have enough of those little “Star Wars” figurines that I spent hours searching for back in the day to fill pages and pages over at Ebay.
Knucklehead on December 29, 2008 at 12:19 PM
So they support abortion, they create dolls that promote segregation and racism; and they are made in China but at least they are not like those whores — the Bratz. The remarks in this thread are the funniest I have read in awhile on HA. And this includes all the religous nonsense over the past three weeks.
grdred944 on December 29, 2008 at 12:22 PM
Most girls went through some sort of “hippie chick” phase, knucklehead. I quite enjoyed the late 90s and early 2000s. But now I’m educated, conservative, and productive. The way I dressed was the LEAST of my problems then hehe
Doppleganker on December 29, 2008 at 12:22 PM
Don’t you have anyone to threaten to sue or is it a slow day for you?
Dawnsblood on December 29, 2008 at 12:26 PM
What’s wrong with hippy chicks? I married one. Those of us over 50 probably had a hippy phase ( at least in dress).
oldvannes on December 29, 2008 at 12:29 PM
Ooh, a Debbie S. thread! Always good for a laugh.
/eats popcorn
HuskerNate on December 29, 2008 at 12:31 PM
I don’t recall mentioning the offspring of The Great Whore (Kennedy Clan) yet…
grdred944: Get a grip. I understand that you in the “reality-based” community have a problem understanding reality, but honestly, racial segregation because they make dolls that actually look like real black people? That is in a whole other universe of madness.
BKennedy on December 29, 2008 at 12:41 PM
You mentioned random, unintelligible crap regarding politics..
Unintelligible crap = Caroline Kennedy..
DaveC on December 29, 2008 at 12:46 PM
he can post that but Red Pill and Indiana Thinker get banned..
just saying, that’s all..
DaveC on December 29, 2008 at 12:47 PM
Oh, Sweet Caroline is intelligible.
It’s intelligence she lacks.
Crap goes without saying. It’s like godless atheist.
BKennedy on December 29, 2008 at 12:55 PM
Ed, when Debbie is right she is right, when she is wrong she is wrong, and when she is self promoting she is usally both. Or as I like to describe it;
“meanwhile back to ME”.
Water off a duck’s back Ed.
As the father of 7 and 4 year old girls, I want them to enjoy their childhood, learn, be well rounded, and grow up to be good citizens and quality human beings, without some leftist marketing sleaze pushing whorism and asking them to be young adults before they even get a change to enjoy being a kid. I simply want them to be responsible, and become the best person they can be.
Ed, savor the blessings of being a fantastic grandfather to that charming young girl, and kudos to you for enjoying the job!
juanito on December 29, 2008 at 12:55 PM
Actually, I don’t have any daughters, but I do have 3 neices (one is in exactly the target demo for American Girl dolls and loves them. The other two are still very young), so threads like these are welcome.
crazy_legs on December 29, 2008 at 1:10 PM
This over-reaction to Bratz is what makes conservatism so unappealing to many voters who live conservatively. My younger daughters when through a bratz phase and somehow still managed to become well adjusted young women. Playing with a particular doll for a few hours per week will not turn a young girl into a stripper by
Neither I nor any of the kids I grew up with are riding through the streets on our trusty bronco with our 6-guns strapped to our legs. lighten up.
oldvannes on December 29, 2008 at 1:12 PM
It isn’t an overreaction to call someone on their choices, and that includes the marketing of trashy dolls. Although it’s wonderful that your daughter’s turned out well, it doesn’t negate the objection. Bratz were sexualizing a child’s plaything–why can’t children have their toys without having adults pushing sexuality on them? Do they not get any period of innocence anymore? That is the objection.
DrMagnolias on December 29, 2008 at 1:25 PM
Then could you please explain what they (Bratz) are selling (I know – dolls!)? I equate it with Che T-shirts and posters, kids just think the stupidest things are cool.
As far as Cowboy, soldier, or super hero play acting, I’ve got no problem with that. But I wouldn’t let my youngsters play Grand Theft Auto before they were 16 either. Because while I doubt that they would go out running over hookers, and creating general mayhem and violence, I don’t want them to think that I find it acceptable subject matter, even if they find it entertaining. My kids, my rules. You can do what you want with your own kids. My kids can make their own choices when they are 18 and not living under my roof. I’ll support those choices, even when I don’t agree with them. But it’s my job to get them to become good people. After 18, it’s their job to stay “good people”. I don’t need some marketing jackasses pushing stuff that is clearly crap, and suggesting it’s what all the cool kids play with when they are not even 13 years old. The whole idea is that they are marketing it to little kids. Teenagers don’t play with dolls, so who else are they selling it to? Hey Bratz, thanks for helping out there!
juanito on December 29, 2008 at 1:32 PM
Billboards, advertisements, the neighbors, teenagers, theater marquees, bookstores, the O’Reilly factor and bill’s obsession with porn, etc, etc, etc…. There is a lot worse out there than a trashy doll.Kids are exposed to all kinds of sexual content now. Playing with a doll for a few hours is no big deal. I doubt a child sees a Bratz doll as sexual. Simply another form of fashion among many that they see.
oldvannes on December 29, 2008 at 1:33 PM
you have a very simple choice: don’t buy it. But complaining about a toy company marketing a toy you think is inapporpriate makes you sound shrill.
oldvannes on December 29, 2008 at 1:37 PM
Having seen many of my nieces get these things as birthday gifts over the past several years, I can provide you with empirical evidence that your assumption is wrong. It is so much less innocent than Barbie and Ken – I recall one niece turning 9 year old two years ago talking with her friends that one outfit didn’t “show enough leg”, and that another outfit looked “great on her rear”, and that all the boys would be “checkin’ her butt out”. And I know she didn’t learn that in her house, it was at school with friends who played with Bratz.
juanito on December 29, 2008 at 1:42 PM
Even if children don’t see the dolls as sexual, the dolls are sending a message about attractiveness, womanhood, etc. And you are absolutely right that children are exposed to all kinds of sexual content now–an entire system of messages–which most adults find worrisome. Bratz, however, are particularly reprehensible because they are directing sexuality at little girls, and are doing so in something that should be innocuous: a doll.
DrMagnolias on December 29, 2008 at 1:44 PM
We can agree there. We don’t buy them. And I AM shrill, and that’s how I want to sound on this subject.
What if they were marketing something that marginalized girls, or made girls out to be less capable than boys? Don’t you think that the left would be up in arms about that (and by the way I would be too)?
juanito on December 29, 2008 at 1:46 PM
What you are describing is a parenting problem. The parents should have explained to your niece what is appropriate and what is not appropriate. Learning that lesson at a young age is easier and more effective than having them exposed to that at 14.
oldvannes on December 29, 2008 at 1:50 PM
I just think, considering all of the things kids are exposed to, that you are making a big deal out of nothing. If you raise them properly, they will outgrow their fascination with Bratz, quickly. As far as making girls feel “marginalized” and “less capable” than boys, that’s the job of older brothers.
oldvannes on December 29, 2008 at 1:59 PM
Believe me, it was explained, and by the entire family, but that type of play was reinforced at school, and with the culpability of the teachers who let the kids play with those dolls in class on “rain days”. And it was a big deal with the school district when we had to battle about it. Cannot bring toy weapons to school (understandable) but these dolls are okay.
So, regardless of what is being taught at home, the school is not helping by contradicting what the family was teaching. And yes that happens in more cases than just this one. But now we have two standards for little kids about school – Adults (teachers specifically, who have a tough enough job anyway)are absolute authorities in the classroom, errrrrr, some of the times. And it’s up to a child of 9 to determine when teachers are or aren’t? And I understand that there are numerous similar situations where kids are exposed to other objectionable things, but come on! Help us out a little here.
juanito on December 29, 2008 at 2:03 PM
You see, there, I have a problem. I have 3 older sisters. It was 3 girls, then 4 boys growing up in our family. (The Von Trapps had better production and distribution than we did). So I’ve always known that girls are formidable!
And you are correct that in most cases, kids grow out of many things. My biggest issue with Bratz, is that they explicitly were marketing their wares to little kids. It’s not that it was just incidental exposure to something that was objectionable, it was aimed squarely at small kids, who just should have a chance to be little kids, and not sexualized.
juanito on December 29, 2008 at 2:11 PM
They will be exposed to those things eventually. If you think trying to drill something into the head of a 9 year old is hard, try doing it to a 14 year old. Parenting is a 24-hour a day job. There are going to be rough patches – you can not avoid that. I just think that there are many more serious things to worry about in raising children than a doll they may be exposed to for a year or two. When the hormones start coursing though them you’ll find your problem with Bratz insignificant and forgotten.
oldvannes on December 29, 2008 at 2:15 PM
It was another American Girl Christmas in my house. AG dolls and Breyer model horses are all my 11-year-old daughter wants right now. Last year she got her doll when we went to Chicago on vacation and spent an entire day in the flagship store. She told me it was the best day of her life. This year for her birthday I took her to New York for the day and we went to the AG store for tea and spending her birthday money. Then she told me that was the best day of her life. Those experiences are priceless. I almost hate to see AG opening so many more stores now, it is so much fun to make a special trip to Chicago or New York with your girl to visit the store.
I like the line because you can find something that appeals to almost every girl. Some girls just want a doll that looks like them and does the activities they do, but others like the historical dolls and learn a lot from them. I was lucky that my daughter looked just like Nellie, so she got the doll that looked like her but also learned about history from the books and videos. Nellie was a servant girl to the wealthy Samantha, so my daughter also learned about class differences and overcoming them. Her best friend has Kit and Julie (the 70s girl), so they get to play in different eras.
They are expensive but make a perfect “big” Christmas or birthday gift, in lieu of lots of smaller and trashier stuff. Their play value is tremendous. My daughter went through the Build-a-bear craze before this and I am much happier with the dolls even though they cost more. She never touched a Bratz doll so that was never an issue with us.
rockmom on December 29, 2008 at 2:25 PM
Hey, they will be exposed to stories about rape, and other debauchery eventually too, but I’d rather not have that presented to them now either. Just because there are going to be more risks to be mitigated in the future doesn’t mean that the current risks are any less significant to us right now.
And I understand that parenting is difficult – it will be the most important job that I ever do.
And my concern for the doll at this point is BECAUSE my girls are in that age group, and it is an issue of the moment. So permit me, please, to be concerned about it now while it is impacting us. And I understand the concept of escalation – it will get harder as children grow, but I am trying to start with a good foundation, so that the work in the future has something solid to stand upon.
At any rate, I don’t think that we are in disagreement about the value of the dolls, or the idea that parenting has more impact than cultural influences. I don’t approve of the dolls, the kids understand that. Nothing more to add, really.
Thanks for your insights. I wish you a fantastic and healthy new year!
juanito on December 29, 2008 at 2:38 PM
I had to laugh: There keeps being the mention of what this line of dolls cost
I don’t suppose those expensive technology toys that boys get into like PS3’s, Wii’s ect cost just pennies?
Or is that the confusion.. boys toys are expected and worthy, and girls.. well just fluff stuff, “so why does it cost so much?”
Noelie on December 29, 2008 at 2:39 PM
Threats of being seen as shrill isn’t going to make good parents let their kids play with whore dolls… And I will certainly voice my opinion because parents who feel like this don’t need to think they are alone in their worries. Yay for being able to say what we think.
It’s okay to be shrill about children’s toys – it isn’t like we’re calling for getting rid of Halloween or Christmas :)
Doppleganker on December 29, 2008 at 2:47 PM
American Girls dolls are great. My daughter has Samantha, from when AG were only historical dolls. She was expensive, but she was meant as a special gift my daughter will always treasure. We were also fortunate that we had a homemade craft store where a woman had a booth with tons of unique handmade clothes for AG (as well as other dolls). Samantha will be a doll that my daughter can hand down to her future daughter.
My Twinn dolls are wonderful too. Both my daughter and my son have one. It’s very special to have a doll that resembles you. The matching clothes are fun too. They are in the same price range as AG, maybe a little bit more. My husband actually worked for them for a while, painting faces.
And lastly, I still really like Barbie. Maybe not today’s Barbie, which seems to feel the need to compete with the Bratz doll sleaze, but I have a nice collection that my daughter treasures. My mom, grandma, and neighbor made cloths for them that I still treasure. I myself crocheted an entire wedding set for my niece when she was little.
Common Sense on December 29, 2008 at 2:51 PM
Thank You. I hope you and your daughters have a Happy and Healthy New Year as well.
oldvannes on December 29, 2008 at 2:54 PM
Thanks for the post Ed. It reminded me of when my neice was young. She got one of these dolls for Christmas and loved it but she promptly when into her room with the doll and “painted” its fingernails with ball point pen! Her grandmother about fainted because she is a doll collector. We all had a good laugh in the end.
Aggie85 on December 29, 2008 at 3:16 PM
My reference had nothing to do with the look of the doll. What a leap for you to make. Nice try.
“Marisol Luna” a Hispanic AG doll has a back story detailing how she bailed out of Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood (predominantly Hispanic) for the ‘burbs because of how dangerous the neighborhood is.
I don’t doubt that Pilsen is a sh^thole.
What my comment was geared towards is how intolerant so many people are on this board over things like the ‘whorish’ looking Bratz dolls but disregard little things like racism, so-called ‘American Girl’ dolls being made in sweatshops in China and a manufacturer with a track record of supporting pro-abortion causes. Most people here will let all that pass as long as the little plastic patriots are waving flags and marketed as being pro-American.
grdred944 on December 29, 2008 at 3:59 PM
Yeah, I’m still not seeing the racism link. Minority dominated communities are often more violent than similarly statused white communities. A story about fleeing from one represents reality, not racism or racial segregation.
As far as Chinese sweatshops, the Chinese people call them “jobs.” Reminds me of a “Drawn Together [Infinitely more offensive than Bratz or anyhing else]” episode where the characters end up busting up an African diamond mine employing child labor, and afterwards the kids ask who will give them jobs now.
Are they probably cruel employers who make them work crap hours? Perhaps. They’re also probably living twice or three times as well as their unemployed or rarely employed contemporaries.
As far as work with pro-abortion entities, you can’t avoid every prospective partner because on the side they support political causes you may not. Unless Girls, Inc. actually provides abortion services, I wouldn’t worry about it. Even then, they’ve since severed ties with Girls, Inc.
Now, had they partnered with say, the child rape enablers at Planned Parenthood, I’d be singing a dfferent tune.
BKennedy on December 29, 2008 at 4:25 PM
So a young Latino girl moves to the suburbs and has to learn how to adjust to a whole new set of circumstances. I’m sure that many young girls of all colors who have moved to a new town would find such a book to be comforting.
BTW, if I was Marisol’s parents, I would have stayed in Pilsen. I live in Chicago, and it wouldn’t shock me one bit if in five or so years that Pilsen became the next gentrified neighborhood in Chicago.
I’m not sure where they are made, but American girl dolls are much more finely crafted and last longer than many other toys which is why people are willing to fork over $$ for them. As for the Girls Inc. argument, AG listened to their customers demands and now does not donate to that group. The company is trying to sell dolls, not push some idealogical agenda.
Illinidiva on December 29, 2008 at 4:30 PM
My daughter was never into dolls of any kind, but she enjoyed reading the American Girl books. Personally, I thought they were a great way to help modern girls connect to history, since some of them were from the Depression era, and World War 1 and 2, etc.
I don’t know what could be a more worthwhile subject to blog on than things that will affect the next generation, muyoso notwithstanding.
And I’d certainly put American Girl above the Bratz and Barbies of the world.
tom on December 29, 2008 at 4:40 PM
Just buzzed through the comments, but I would like to let all the anti-Bratz folks out there know that there are almost NO MORE BRATZ on store shelves. They’re going to be sold until New Year’s Eve and what’s left gets pulled.
Until Mattel starts putting them out again. They made over a billion $$’s for MGA, Mattel ain’t going to kill that cash cow.
Don Carne on December 29, 2008 at 5:13 PM
My cousin is like a sister to me, so I consider her grown girls my “nieces”. Well, my “niece’s” little girl is almost 6 and she got her bitty twins this Christmas. “Auntie” here is getting her the double stroller. I love how I now have a great place to get her presents and can indulge in the more expensive stuff since her parents don’t have a lot of money.
I was told about the store in Chicago and we have made plans for a birthday weekend there in February. My birthday, and my “niece’s” little girls are also born in February (to be 2 and 6). I didn’t know they also had hotel packages. How fun, I am glad Ed wrote this piece today. I now will also go all out and book the hotel for the bitty twins to have their beds, too.
I plan to get little Trinity her “just like me” doll that weekend, and her little sister, the baby doll that can be abused (all plastic, I think, her mom told me the little baby doll has no hair to worry about).
Future Christmases, I see matching outfits, historical dolls, books, DVDs, wow. This is a treasure chest for relatives who like to indulge little girls whose parents maybe can’t afford all this stuff.
karenhasfreedom on December 29, 2008 at 5:14 PM
Jeebus…
I am now officially to the point where I am sick to death of both of the far sides of the political spectrum.
The statements out of most of the people here who have these dolls for their children/grandchildren etc. seems to be very positive. The consensus is that they are well made dolls that not only do the children enjoy playing with but also serve to teach a bit of history.
Tossed into the mix are what has become the usual agenda driven comments which the people who make those comments seem to think are the case for burning these dolls en masse and imprisoning anyone who would dare give one to a child. From the “OMG! They are made in sweatshops!!!!1111!!!!!!!” to the “OMG! The people who own the company support ABORTION AND RADICAL FEMINISM!!!!!111111!!!111!” And, of course, there are the “OMG! These dolls are RACIST!!!!1111!!!” The most hilarious was the comment that said (in essence) “OMG! They had a HIPPIE DOLL so giving one to a child means you want them to be a hippie!!!!!1111!!!!!”
As Sigmund Freud might say “Sometimes a doll is just a doll.”.
To all the “OMG! These dolls are an affront to my [insert agenda here]!!!111!!!!!” people I only have one thing to say.
GET OVER YOURSELVES!
Nahanni on December 29, 2008 at 5:19 PM
Tai Chi will help you to relax that sphincter just a little. Chai tea will soothe the rest of us while we recoil from the screeching.
The Race Card on December 29, 2008 at 5:26 PM
You realize that a classic sexist tactic is to call outspoken women “hysterical” or otherwise suggest they are engaged in hysterical behavior, don’t you?
The Race Card on December 29, 2008 at 5:29 PM
It’s all good. Screeching refers to this dude.
The Race Card on December 29, 2008 at 5:32 PM
Six daughters, two sons, zero AG dolls, zero Bratz dolls, one GI Joe, and a variety of Barbies and Madame Alexander Dolls (the less expensive ones). And by the way – I don’t buy the “Streetlamp” variety of Barbies.
None of my daughters ever got into the AG dolls but I really think that’s because I never got into them (couldn’t afford to get into them).
By the way, Target sells their own version of AG dolls at a much more reasonable price (don’t know about the quality).
Candy Slice on December 29, 2008 at 5:42 PM
My daughter loves American Girl, she’s 5. When she sees a Bratz commercial she shakes her head and says “immodest”. I wonder where she picked that up at?
vcferlita on December 29, 2008 at 6:23 PM
There is a little more to the “American Girl Doll” phenomena than meets the eye and American parents have a right to know all the facts, associated with this doll. Things are often NOT what they appear to be, in this case.
Mattel has been involved in other underhanded endeavors, which I will make not of at the end of this, including it’s association with girlsinc.org, (”I CAN”, bracelet project) through the American Girl doll, which supports lesbianism for little girls.
2005 Article on subject:
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0506247.htm
Girls Inc. Bill of Rights for little girls: http://www.girlsinc.org/ic/page.php?id=1.7
American Girl Doll, “I CAN” campaign supports Girls Inc.:
http://www.americangirl.com/corp/media/2005/0822ican.html
Information about Girls Inc. and homosexual organizations.
Girls Inc. on Girls Sexual Health:
http://www.girlsinc.org/downloads/GirlsandSexualHealth.pdf
http://www.girlsinc.org/about/girls-bill-of-rights/
http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4GZAZ_enUS235US236&q=Girls%2c+Inc%2e+and+GLAAD
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/search/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000564811
This of course is the same Mattel/Fischer Price, which created the “Little Mommy Real Loving Baby Cuddle & Coo” doll, which, unbeknownst to American parents speaks the words, “Islam is the light.” Hm.
http://daledamos.blogspot.com/2008/12/mattels-islam-is-light-doll.html
sinsing on December 29, 2008 at 6:32 PM
There is a little more to the “American Girl Doll” phenomena than meets the eye and American parents have a right to know all the facts, associated with this doll. Things are often NOT what they appear to be, in this case.
Mattel has been involved in other underhanded endeavors, which I will make not of at the end of this, including it’s association with girlsinc.org, (”I CAN”, bracelet project) through the American Girl doll, which supports lesbianism for little girls.2005 Article on subject:
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0506247.htm
Girls Inc. Bill of Rights for little girls: http://www.girlsinc.org/ic/page.php?id=1.7
American Girl Doll, “I CAN” campaign supports Girls Inc.:
http://www.americangirl.com/corp/media/2005/0822ican.html
Information about Girls Inc. and homosexual organizations.
Girls Inc. on Girls Sexual Health: http://www.girlsinc.org/downloads/GirlsandSexualHealth.pdf
http://www.girlsinc.org/about/girls-bill-of-rights/
http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4GZAZ_enUS235US236&q=Girls%2c+Inc%2e+and+GLAAD
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/search/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000564811
This of course is the same Mattel/Fischer Price, which created the “Little Mommy Real Loving Baby Cuddle & Coo” doll, which, unbeknownst to American parents speaks the words, “Islam is the light.” Hm.
http://daledamos.blogspot.com/2008/12/mattels-islam-is-light-doll.html
sinsing on December 29, 2008 at 6:35 PM
Oops. Sorry about that double-post. Please remove one for me. Thank you.
sinsing on December 29, 2008 at 6:43 PM
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