The Bratz Dolls controversy has always been discussed in parenting forums. You may ask why is that so. Depending on who you ask, these Bratz dolls are like the greatest and coolest dolls ever or they are odd looking dolls with huge eyes, wearing skimpy clothes. Those dolls, equipped with their popular “passion for fashion” being demonstrated through micro miniskirts and sexy tops are being criticized by lots and lots of parents. They see those dolls being too sexy, overly sexualized, and thus, bad examples and influences for little to young girls.
But try asking six to ten year old girls about these dolls, and they will say that they are so exceptional and even awesome. The overall sales of these Bratz Dolls rival Barbie dolls sales. So now, try understanding the dolls history. Bratz were developed in the year 2000 by Mr. Isasc Larian. He is an Iranian-Jewish immigrant toy entrepreneur. Larian set out in order to develop an ‘anti-Barbie’.
For many, there really is something undeniably and obviously disconcerting in seeing teens and preteens dressed in order to imitate their idols such Britney Spears – dressed out in overly sex skirts, and belly-baring, tight Tshirts. And most probably, it is even more disturbing and alarming to see a similarly too sexy outfit being worn by girls who are still in kindergarten grade. It is a considered phenomenon that makes child development professional experts worried – even making some parents quite mad.
Some people agree that it isn’t just the pop stars that should be blamed for popularizing too sexy looks, but these dolls are also the latest culprit in this scenario. Well, this is what the Bratz dolls controversy is mainly about. It is about the dolls’ influences and effects on preteens and teens out there. The company manufacturing these dolls claims that Bratz dolls are mainly created for girls aging seven to eleven, however, even four year old girls are very zealous. And in today’s culture in which fashion, celebrity cover women, and runway models are being glorified, it is expected that this obsession among children would get to even the preschool fashionistas.
Parents especially moms found Bratz dolls and the issue regarding such sexualized toys very alarming. A lot of parents, and even single people were extremely disturbed at the way Bratz dolls are being marketed to toddlers and adolescents. They’re also deeply alarmed by how the marketing and advertising of some stereotype that they view as objectifying girls and even suggesting that they care mostly about shopping, looks, and boys.
But there are also other parents who are not thrilled on the looks of the dolls, but felt that these dolls weren’t a serious issue and that it is no big deal. They believe that any negativity in the dolls can actually be offset through instilling good values at home.
How about you? What do you think of those dolls and also the entire issue of too sexualized figures being marketed to preteens and teens?
