More evidence that Bratz are bad girls

by Sandy Maple (Subscribe to Sandy Maple's posts) Feb 21st 2007 6:01PM

Categories: Preschoolers, Kids 5-7, Media

In a report released Monday, the American Psychological Association confirmed what I already knew. In short, exposure to all those commercials, movies, songs, toys and advertisements featuring scantily clad females is harmful to a young girl's emotional and physical health.

The report was based on an analysis of some 300 studies over the past 18 months and indicated that these sexualized images can result in young girls viewing themselves as sex objects.

While they weren't the only toys singled out, the mention of Bratz dolls in this report got my attention. These dolls, popular with girls as young as 4, wear skimpy clothing, hang out in hot tubs and party with the "Boyz". With their pumped-up lips and heavy makeup, they look as if they belong in a brothel -- not a little girl's toy chest.

Of course, Isaac Larian, CEO of Bratz doll manufacturer MGA entertainment disagrees with the report's judgment of the Bratz dolls. He says that girls across the USA are wearing the same type of clothing and that they are not sexy. Yes, girls everywhere are dressing like that. Which begs the question of which came first, the Bratz dolls or the sexed-up school girls?

Bratz dolls have been banned from our house since Ellie was old enough to want one. She thinks they are pretty. I think they are offensive. She has given up asking for one because she knows it isn't going to happen. Clearly lots of parents have no issue with these dolls; millions have been sold worldwide. I can't help but wonder why. With so many non-slutty dolls available, why would a parent allow Bratz in the house?

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Comments (257)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 13)

Ethel 2-21-2007 @ 6:30PM

I believe the folks who purchase these dolls have bought into the culture that the dolls represent. There are plenty of young women/young mothers who think of themselves as "MILFs" and want to project that image. In addition they have been raised to believe that this is an important aspect of who they are. Then there are the men who think that is what women should be like - a strange altered view.

When I lived in Eugene there were plenty of bumper stickers that proclaimed "Kill your TV", well as I have kids I am getting crunchier and more likely to follow that advice.

Paige W 2-21-2007 @ 7:49PM

my belief is that the parents out there that are buying them are either dress this way themselves, or like members of my family that buy them for their kids, they just don't want to say no even though they don't like them. I also don't think that they look at the bigger picture, I think many of these parents are part of a major epidemic in our society that just live for today and don't worry about tomorrow. My daughter has asked and for these and knows that they are not allowed in our home.

Charlotte 2-21-2007 @ 9:10PM

Maybe I'm getting old (27), but could someone please tell me what a MILF is?

Cassie 2-21-2007 @ 9:29PM

A MILF is a "Mother I'd Like To F**k"

I hate Bratz dolls, I hate those "Flava" dolls, and even some of the newer barbies.

R Biernesser 2-21-2007 @ 11:22PM

I hate those dolls....they rank up there with SpongeBob and a few other.

I have refused to buy these for my nieces or anyother female child I know b/c they just scream sex and a few other things. I won't even buy barbies or their clothes if they are too slutty and I like Barbie. oh and not only they way they look, but how about that price tag??

Gloria 2-22-2007 @ 1:20AM

My God! Spongebob screams sex? What kind of sex are YOU having???

Ben 2-22-2007 @ 8:22AM

Are Brats dolls really any worse than Cindy or Barbie? Remember those stick-thin short-skirted leggy blondes from yesteryear? I don't think they ever did any harm ...?

Stephanie 2-22-2007 @ 9:28AM

Gloria, too funny! Don't forget the big 'SpongeBob is Gay' controversy of 2005. SpongeBob apparently has 2 agendas now.

Dawn 2-22-2007 @ 11:35AM

I truly think people read too much into these dolls. So what, these dolls like to play dress up with clothes and makeup? so now all of a sudden its making the kids think they need to dress this way? Not all parents "act like the dolls" as all of you have said. The parents dont wear short skirts like the dolls or covered in makeup. It has NOTHING to do with the way children act today. Thats just an excuse for poor parenting. Yes, lets blame lifeless dolls.

My 5 year old sister had bratz dollz. She also has barbies and kens and all that other doll stuff. Shes too young to understand the way bratz are dressed. To her, its another kind of barbie.

You all are reading too much into this. Its just another thing to complain about

Dawn 2-22-2007 @ 11:35AM

And generalizing that statement

"my belief is that the parents out there that are buying them are either dress this way themselves, or like members of my family that buy them for their kids, they just don't want to say no even though they don't like them. I also don't think that they look at the bigger picture, I think many of these parents are part of a major epidemic in our society that just live for today and don't worry about tomorrow"

So buying dolls that dress like they do, means we don't worry about tomorrow? What era are you from?
back in the 50's the same argument happened about Barbie. So how about people learn from the past, realize its a TOY and get over it?

jsph 2-22-2007 @ 6:11PM

I think that toys and other products sold to consumers are just a reflection of what companies think consumers will buy...and then if consumers buy them, then the companies make more. (just like Jay Leno's Doritos commercial: "Crunch all you want--we'll make more!") Blaming a doll for kids' becoming more sexually aware (or at least dressing like it) is saying we consumers have no self-control. If we don't buy it, they won't make it. Parents have to learn to say no, if they don't like what's going on. (I certainly won't buy Bratz for my kids, and I won't have the TV on with commercials for them, either.)

LS 2-22-2007 @ 8:29PM

Aside from the blatant sexuality and trashiness of the Bratz dolls, I wouldn't buy them because they just plain creep me out. You have to REMOVE THEIR FEET to change their shoes!!! Yeek.

Thank goodness I have a boy!

Jenni 2-22-2007 @ 11:43PM

Okay I have to modify my opionins here other wise this would be a huge blog. Okay I disagree with anyone telling their child that this doll is wrong or bad. It is our Job as parents to teach our child what is right and wrong not a dolls. I personally think the Bratz dolls are cute and are in fashion.
I also believe there is another view that everyone is missing. By telling our children that these dolls are not okay in order to protect them. What we are in return doing is teaching our children to judge things. Not in a way of that person isn't nice or I really don't care for their personality but in the fashion of man look at her hair man what a SL*T! people are promoting the very thing they don't want their child to feel because of a doll. Personally I rather buy my daughter the doll. She hasn't seen the cartoon and wont untill I view one and decided rather it is okay for her. I respect everyones opionions and see your views but I feel that we need to look at all different views. That is what makes us good Pareants!

rebecca Biernesser 2-23-2007 @ 1:17AM

gee gloria and stephanie, I never said spongebob screamed sex. I said he ranks up there with the bratz dolls. in other words I don't like them or what image/views they promote.

I teach my sons and neices that you can't judge a book by it's cover. HOWEVER, not everyone feels that way and if you do not want to be judge for something you are not, than you pay attention to your actions and appearences. Feeling the way I do, why would I buy a doll that is dressed in too short skirt, belly showing, boobs half covered clothes. If I brought that I would teaching my kids and nieces the exact opposite of what I believe.

jessica ferrara 2-24-2007 @ 2:12PM

So what does Spongebob promote, then? He's a cute sponge who works hard at his fry-cook job, goes to school, and tries to make everyone happy.

Miscellaneous 2-24-2007 @ 2:18PM

Don't go too far...Take another look at the name of the dolls: "Bratz".
Since when was being a brat a good thing?
This is all a very successful marketing strategy...Keep in mind that people who created these dolls are very wealthy from it...
Besides, Barbie never dressed like a wh*re!!!

norm 2-24-2007 @ 2:20PM

I have little girls who loves Brats, I think people are reading to much into the dolls. Dolls are suppose to be fun to play with. Look, at Barbie, she has was been dresing like this for years, way before the Brats came along. And the boy dolls, Ken been around for years and has male like parts. So, remember one thing they are toys, not sex symbles. I think people who think about the toys in a sexual matter, are sick in the head. Didn't you own a Barbie or even G.I.Joes? So, get off your soapbox.

christina 2-24-2007 @ 2:22PM

My daughters own bratz dolls and they love them. They also know that they don't own any clothes that look like bratz attire or own any makeup darker than the color of their skin. My little girls are in training to become respectful women. They know the difference between a doll and reality. My girls live by MY example and I teach them well. To the mothers afraid of bratz dolls are you afraid of the image or yourself?????

kathy 2-24-2007 @ 2:22PM

When I first saw these dolls, I felt the same way many of you do - ewwww! But, just like every trend that comes along, you get used to seeing it and it doesn't bother you as much (ie: low rider pants, mohawks, piercings, tattoos, etc.). I'm not saying I would approve of all of those things in my house, but my 10 year old daughter loves Bratz more than any other toy she has. She never dresses like them or even asks for clothing that closely resembles them. (By the way, have you seen some of the latest Barbie's - pregnant, divorced, etc. - what message is that sending young girls?) I say parents can buy whatever they want for their children or choose not to. I don't believe my daughter acts or dresses any different because she like Bratz. It's just another trend that will be replaced at some point by something else that people will love and hate. That's history repeating itself.