Do Bratz have a positive message?
Categories: Teens & tweens, Media, Education, Toys & Games, That's Entertainment
Luckily for me, my kids are as yet too young to know about Bratz dolls, the strange and sexily-dressed toys that have been very popular with young girls. They are so popular, in fact, that they have their own movie in theatres now. Not everyone, however, likes the franchise; many parents believe they are too sexy and encourage girls to dress like sluts."We don't allow them in the house," says Helene Lewis, of Moorestown, N.J. "It's the name, the look, the whole feeling about them. There are already enough negative influences out there." Lewis hopes to keep her five-year-old daughter from getting into the dolls "as long as possible."
It's not just parents who are concerned about the dolls, either. The American Psychological Association specifically mentioned Bratz dolls in a report on the sexualization of younger girls in our society, saying "It is worrisome when dolls designed specifically for 4- to 8-year-olds are associated with an objectified adult sexuality."
Of course, not everyone dislikes the Bratz. "I like the dolls," said Mary Ann Savage of Fenton, Michigan, whose eight-year-old daughter Kylee shares her enthusiasm. "At this age, they all want to dress up and wear makeup. My daughter's a total girly-girl." Indeed, there must be plenty of kids and parents who approve of them; they brought in $2 billion over the last thirteen months.
The movie's producers see things differently too. "A big head allows more hair play," says Avi Arad, a co-producer of the film and toy industry veteran. "The lips are for styling." He also explains that in the movie, the aim was to create a truly multiethnic group of characters who learn to value friendship over the need for social acceptance. "If parents give it a chance, they'll walk out and say, 'I like these kids,'" he says.
As for me, they're not something I'd want my kids to play with, let alone emulating. I think it's definitely possible to make a doll that can be dressed and style nicely without making it look like a prostitute. What do you think? Do you let your kids play with Bratz dolls and toys? Are you taking your little ones to see the movie?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Rachel Mosteller 8-06-2007 @ 1:40PM
She likes the dolls because her kid likes dressing up and being a "girly girl?" Puh-lease.
Those things are bad news. My children will never, ever play with a Bratz doll under my roof. I don't need my little girl wanting to act like a hoochie any time soon.
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Pops 8-07-2007 @ 8:54AM
Pre-Bratz, I would have said the same thing about Barbie that's being said about Bratz now. These things make my "little sister's" old Barbie dolls seem relatively conservative.
Less than 3 years ago, I finished up five years at one of the country's leading party schools (number 1 for a time), and I did all I could to help its reputation. I only share that to give some perspective when I say that I'm appalled at how slutty these Bratz dolls come across. I'm curious if any of them have a tramp-stamp tattoo...
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Michele W 8-06-2007 @ 11:21PM
I thank God I have a boy when it comes to some stuff like this but my friend has all girls and her one said she wanted one of these dolls. Well she got the baby ones and to our surprize the baby was wearing a g string underware!!! yes a baby bratz ! That was the end of that and they will never get one again. As far as I am concerned them dolls are nothing but trash and teach your kid how to be a slut. The make up they wear and the clothes they wear are ridiculous. A no go for me and alot of people I know.
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Chief Family Officer 8-07-2007 @ 12:02AM
This is why I am so grateful to have two boys! It'll be a comparative breeze when they hit adolescence!
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The_SuperMom 9-12-2007 @ 10:30PM
Well, I have to say that I, being a sane mother of a 12 year-old daughter do not agree with any of the above comments. My daughter loves and collects the Bratz, and I as a parent don't see any problem with them. The Bratz dolls she has, which apparently are all currently released according to her are all fully clothed and don't look the least bit trampy or skanky. With respect, I must ask, what is so slutty about a mini-skirt. Almost all girls wear miniskirts, including my daughter and she is certainly not a prostitute! None of the dolls have mature themes and they're fashion dolls for goodness sake. The whole purpose of the fashion doll is for young girls to "dress up" and have imaginative play with. There is absolutely nothing harmful to children in imaginative play, is there?
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