by Stephanie Joynes

Created on: February 07, 2008

Every generation has their toy icons, from Charlie McCarthy to Cabbage Patch Kids to Barbie dolls. Then the Bratz dolls came along and this controversy of the representation of women is again in the limelight. Between Barbie, Bratz and other dolls with their impossibly tiny waists, large breasts, flashy clothing options and big heads, we have to ask ourselves if this is really how women want to be represented to not only children, but in our society in general.

Barbie and Bratz aren't all together bad. Bratz actually represents diversity in our American culture instead of only having "the Caucasian doll". For African-American, Latino, or Asian-American children it is important to see themselves in the dolls they enjoy, and we simply do not see that enough in children's toys. At the same time, do we want to have them clothed in outfits we would never allow our own children to wear?

I remember when I was child and I had a Work /After Work Barbie doll that came in a pink business suit and briefcase. Then, when she was ready to go out after all of her business meetings and brainstorming sessions, the skirt could be reversed and a fluffy, fancy one was revealed. She could put her briefcase down, take off her business jacket and still look fabulous and classy.

This is not what we see in dolls today. Instead we are looking at an image that says girls should be in party mode all of the time, and that is simply not healthy. They look as if they are dressing for other people, not for themselves. They don't belong in an office culture, or as an academic. They should look bright and flashy as if they should be holding a martini in one hand and a cigarette in the other. This isn't what we should be teaching young girls.

I want my daughter to know she is smart, capable and independent. Her dolls should represent the kind of woman I want her to be someday. If there was a Professor Yasmin, or an Astronaut Cloe, or a Sasha, the Engineer, I would be more inclined to buy one for my daughter. If Bratz only represents how to make yourself look pretty for everyone else while wearing uncomfortable shoes, I think I'll pass.

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