When Mattel and Nickelodeon announced plans last month to introduce a new tween Dora, parents were afraid their daughters would lose the original Dora they had grown to love. And when her silhouette was revealed, that fear turned to outrage.
Big hair. Short skirt. Head seemingly proportionate to her body. How could this be Dora?
"She's a tramp!" was the typical response (okay, it was my response).
But now Dora is revealed in all her glory. Is she a tramp?
The miniskirt everyone thought she was wearing turned out to be a tunic worn over leggings. She seems modestly and appropriately dressed for a doll of her age, which is "approximately modeled after a nine- or ten-year-old," according to the press release. (Why so vague, Mattel? What is Dora trying to hide?)
I actually think this doll is a great idea. My niece, Hilary, who is almost six, loves Dora. She also loves Barney and the Teletubbies. But those aren't really appropriate shows for a six-year-old. Why should kids have to give up the characters they love just because they get a little older? Tween Dora will be perfect for Hilary, who will be thrilled that Dora is growing up just like Hilary.
Dora will be joined by the Explorer Girls, and the foursome will go on adventures just like little Dora, but with a greater purpose: organizing a beach clean-up, volunteering at Abuela's senior center, picketing in front of the local Planned Parenthood (okay, I made that last one up). She'll also solve mysteries with her friends and still teach Spanish words and phrases along the way.
And don't worry, little Dora isn't going anywhere.
What do you think? Should Dora stay in preschool or is tween Dora a good idea?
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