Parents - moms in particular - were upset that a favorite animated character, Dora The Explorer, was getting a "tween" makeover and would be unveiled in the coming months. However, not to fret - Dora's TV character will remain as she is.
Photos after the jump
Dora theTramp, Dora the Streetwalker - those were just some of the names parents came up with when they heard the news that Dora was changing. However, there's been misconceptions about the changes.
Mattel, who partners with Nickelodeon, had announced a "tween" Dora - but the cartoon Dora the Explorer is NOT changing. They are, however, launching a new interactive doll, aimed at 5-to-8-year-olds.
Leigh Anne Brodsky, president of Nickelodeon Viacom Consumer Products explained, "People care so deeply about this brand and this character. The Dora that we all know and love is not going away."
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Vice President of Mattel marketing, Gina Sirard said, "I think there was just a misconception in terms of where we are going with this. Pretty much the moms who are petitioning aging Dora up certainly don't understand... I think they're going to be pleasantly happy once this is available in October, and once they understand this certainly isn't what they are conjuring up."
The confusion began when the silhouette (shown above) was released, showing a more grown-up Dora, who parents said resembled a "Britney Spears" or "Lindsay Lohan" type rather than a little girl. Some compared her to a "Bratz."
The new Dora doll is aged at about 10, wearing a tunic and leggings, longer hair and jewelry but no makeup.
Brodsky added, "The idea is Dora for more girls. The whole point was this was created because moms said help us."
The Dora doll comes with a USB port and is compatible with online story lines - adventures implementing environment, social action and more. She is a bilingual adventurer, helping kids explore and use their imaginations - and that shouldn't change when kids get older.
"What would Dora be if she grew up? You'd have what you'd have before you: a very sweet, wholesome adventurous... She's a perfect role model in that regard." The doll will have an October release date.
So, will you allow your kids to play with the new Dora doll?
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