Warning- A rant about Bratz ensues.

[beckmrk04]

OK- Let me start this by saying I am a feminist who played with Barbies. I don't really think Barbie did me any lasting damage. THAT said.

What is with these freaking Bratz dolls? They look like baby streetwalkers! My nieces want them so bad, and I refuse to buy them, and their mother refuses to as well. I want to know from the parents out there-what is your opinion on these dolls? I just read an article (linked from www.jeankilbourne.com) about some parents who bought their 4 year old daughter a Baby Big Bratz doll, against their better judgement, and to their horror the "diaper" it was wearing was a mesh THONG!!!!!! A thong! On a "baby"!

I am no prude, by any stretch of the imagination (no one quote the porn threads ), BUT THIS IS RIDICULOUS! And people think Barbie has problems. Sorry- but I know I can't be the only person infuriated by these dolls. Why is this so mainstream? Why are parents buying these toys for their little girls? If you have bought them for your kids, please explain it to me- no flaming here, just trying to understand the reasoning.

Whew. Rant over for the moment. I need an aspirin.

 

[FreshTressa]

I don't understand how the company can make money and why so many people buy them for their kids. They look so dumb.

Luckily my daughter isn't into them.

 

[horseshowmom]

I don't like them either. Last weekend they came up in discussion (after my DD and her BF had been to his little sister's dance recital and were discussing some of the questionable outfits/dances - not all of them were that way but some were). The discussion went on to the Bratz dolls and how they personify the "look and attitude" that is supposed to be so "cool" and appeal to younger girls. My DD commented on what a rotten example they were. Of course, eveybody's entitled to their own opinion - that's just mine.

 

[Mariposa]

My DD has expressed the occassional interest in them, but knows that I won't buy them for her.. I can't get past the name- uh, yeah, that's something I want to promote. I know, I know, I'm probably being too sensitive, but it just irks me and there are so many great toys out there.. I don't feel like I'm depriving her.

 

[PixieDust32]

.

 

[aprilgail2]

Everyone that buys gifts for my daughter knows that I do not allow those streetwalker looking dolls in the house for her to play with so she doesn't get any from anyone! Never could I allow my child to play with a doll like that...that is NOT something that I was her aspiring to look like that is for sure!

 

[MoniqueU]

We got a few for gifts and I did buy the limo I think it was. Like all other toys in my house they are at the bottom of the toy box and haven't been played with since the week they got them. I don't see how exposure for a few days is going to do my daughtes long term harm. I think the dolls are stupid more then anything else. I am always mindful not to buy the things for gifts for peoples children though seeing as how most people on the Dis hate the things with a fiery passion. My neighborhood of gift givers must not have gotten the memo and that is why I have recieved some. Of which I really didn't raise too much of an eyebrow over. LIke I said my kids were done playing with them in record time.

 

[we3disneygo]

my dd never was into those...she moved from dolls to shopping..... at a early age.....

 

[Tink's Pixieduster]

I never had daughters, but if I had a daughter (or granddaughter) now, I don't believe one of these dolls would be an appropriate toy. Its easy to confuse children and send them the wrong message and I feel this is exactly what these dolls do.

I agree that a momentary interest in Bratz dolls will probably not harm a child, but a mesh thong on a toy given to a 4-year old? The image this presents to an impressionable child is deplorable (and I'm no prude, either).

 

[GoofieRuthie]

I have no problem with them. DD11 was into them when they first came out, but has since lost interest. I actually think they are cute. I don't think any child is considering these dolls a role model. My seven year old neice still plays with them and I can't see that they have harmed her in any way either. Like someone else said, they play with them for a few days then they vanish. Worst of all, you find feet all over the place. That was my biggest gripe. I hated that if you took off the "shoe", you've lost they foot.

 

[Marseeya]

My daughter has had one or two in the past and I honestly can't remember if I bought them for her or if someone else did. I just didn't take them that seriously, that's all.

DD liked them for about a day, then forgot all about them. No fuss, no hassle, no arguments.

 

[nealymouse]

We have a house full of the Bratz.

I hope as a parent I can set a better example then these dolls.
There has been many talks around home about how in real life we would never look or dress like that.
These dolls have opened more conversion about real life then any other toy in our home so at this point they have been a good thing.

 

[Marseeya]

I have no problem with them. DD11 was into them when they first came out, but has since lost interest. I actually think they are cute. I don't think any child is considering these dolls a role model. My seven year old neice still plays with them and I can't see that they have harmed her in any way either. Like someone else said, they play with them for a few days then they vanish. Worst of all, you find feet all over the place. That was my biggest gripe. I hated that if you took off the "shoe", you've lost they foot.

My DD sure didn't look at them as a role model or become "confused" as to what a "real" girl should look like.

However, there was a time a while back when she thought she wanted some thong underwear (wasn't because of Bratz, but because she saw them hanging in Walmart). I gave her a wedgie at home and cleared up that notion right quick.

 

[4nana]

I agree and parents need to set the example of what's acceptable at an early age. Our DGD's (4,6,8) have been explained why they are a 'no go' at their houses and have never questioned it. Too many other beautiful and cuddly dolls to hold their interests at play time.

 

[In a hurry]

I still think a pedaphile invented the things. If those were kids dressed like that, there would be an uproar. I don't see any need to portray kids as sex objects. Toy or not.

 

[bicker]

I think the appeal of these dolls, for the adults who buy them for children, is the fact that they do make fun of all the prudish silliness out there.

 

[hentob]

.

However, there was a time a while back when she thought she wanted some thong underwear (wasn't because of Bratz, but because she saw them hanging in Walmart). I gave her a wedgie at home and cleared up that notion right quick.

 

[cepmom]

My DD8 wanted one of these dolls so badly, but I refused to buy her one. I think they are disgusting and creepy. That being said, my stepmother gave her one for Christmas but it has not been played with since the day she got it . I think it was more of "everyone I know has one, so I want one too" She is more interested in American Girl dolls than those "hooker dolls" thank goodness!

 

[Nancyg56]

I gave her a wedgie at home and cleared up that notion right quick.

 

[Tiffann4k]

I refuse to buy them either

That thong talk reminds me of something....did anyone read the recent Parents magazine I think it was under the embarrasing stories, the one where the mom takes the kid into the dressing room with her and she is wearing a thong and the kid yells something like Mom your butt is eating your underwear!