Bratz Back on the Corner … er, I Mean Shelves
Bad news for parents who don’t like the slutification of toys: A judge who earlier this month ordered Bratz dolls off the shelves because of a patent infringement, could rule the vixens in cellophane should remain through the end of 2009.
Oh yay.
The fight has something to do with a party where Barbie was all, “Like what up?” and the Bratz were all, “Biatch!” and then they went to court where Bratz lost for totally mimicking Barbie’s every move, or something. (Here’s a better recap of the tussle.) It doesn’t really matter.
I still think Barbie’s a bad enough play model but Bratz are even worse, with their focus on risque clothes and the early sexualization of kids. Four year olds don’t need mini-skirts or role models who sit around and look “pretty” while their male counterparts actually do shit. (The American Psychological Association singled out the dolls as moronic.) So I was pleased to see Bratz going to toy ho heaven, but now it appears there’s one more year to go.
Am I just a prude, some puritanical preacher shaking his fists at the sky during a round of musical chairs and screaming, “Children! Stop that wicked dancing!” or does anyone else get bent out of shape over Bratz dolls? (And am I just as bad as the marketers of Bratz by my demonization of something ultra-feminine with words like slut or ho? Hmm, food for introspection — and stay tuned next week at the ‘Derby when we debate the merits of Barbie.) But still, it makes me wonder: Why can’t we give young girls toys of real role models to play with? I can’t stand watching Dora for its repitition, but man, that girl works hard!
Prostitots is the best name I have ever heard for them. I have a feeling this will enter my vernacular.
We briefly carried a similar product at the store where I work. (Aren’t you glad to know there are Bratz *knockoffs*?) The staff all referred to them in horror as “the prostitots.”
:shudder:
Bratz dolls are probably the best thing to happen to Barbie in the past 20 years.
I totally agree. While I like Barbie due to the mostly nostalgic factor (though I probably won’t buy one for my daughter) I hate Bratz and everything about them. They look like future street walkers and paris hilton wannabes. For atleast Barbie does stuff like be a doctor, ice skate, rides horses, etc….
Amen, sister. Barbie and Bratz are awful, but this discussion of Twilight makes me want to lock my family in a cave for fifty years: http://kateharding.net/2008/12/21/on-twilight-romance-and-antifeminist-ideas/