2 of 5

Comparing Barbie and Bratz dolls

by Wayfarer

Can Bratitude Save The World?

Why can't young girls just play with Barbies like their moms did?

Well, that's exactly why! Because their moms did.

As wonderful as moms undoubtedly are and as certain as it is that their children will grow up to wonderful just like them, little girls need a time where they can do their own thing; a time when they can have some Bratitude.

Let's face it, Barbie was an airhead. She was beautiful and impossibly statuesque. She had all the material things a girl could want. She's been around for a long time and never grown any older. To sum it up she was self-obsessed, materialistic and had definitely had plastic surgery.

She grew up in the sixties, but did Barbie espouse any cause, did she take a stand? Other than being a good housewife nope!

The Bratz on the other hand have Bratitude. What's that? Well, it started out as a simple play on words, but it rapidly evolved into a real ethos. The girls live in a comfortable world and love clothes and accessories every bit as much as big sister Barbie. They have a "passion for fashion." But they also have individuality.

That's where the Bratz have it all over Barbie.

Jade's the fun loving, unpredictable one, the most likely to put on an impromptu fashion show with the others as her models.

Yasmin is the intelligent one, searching the web for causes or reading up on her favourite subjects. If the Bratz have a leader it would probably be Yasmin.

Cloe is sporty and driven, as well as being the group's cheerleader. She wants to be the best at whatever she does. Cloe is the Brat most likely to win an Oscar.

You don't cross Sasha, or dis her friends. She's a feisty lady and it's a toss-up whether she will end up a rock star or President!

But more important to them than their individuality is everyone else's right to be individual in their own way. The Bratz will always fight for the underdog. If there's a good cause that no one cares about the Bratz will take it on and show how important it is. They might use "girly" methods like fashion or music, but they will get it the recognition it deserves!

Despite the heavy emphasis on make-up and clothes the Bratz are actually good role models for young girls these days. Where Barbie was a homemaker and a career woman with many, many jet-set holiday, it was all about her. The Bratz are out to make the world a nicer place for everyone.

Children need something to aspire to and, in a changing world that needs future generations to stand up and make a difference, Bratitude might just be the way to go!

Helium, Inc.
200 Brickstone Square Andover, MA 01810 USA