Wednesday, June 18, 2008

To Whom it May Concern

Dear Liberal Sir or Madam at Mattel,

I am writing with great concern over a few of your products that I found in my local Target store, while shopping with my soon to be 7 year old daughter. I took my dear Princess to shop for potential birthday presents for her upcoming celebration when we stumbled upon your products.

I am sure you may be familiar with these items:

Street Walker Barbie:


Hoochie-Momma Barbie:


Hooter's Girl Barbie:


However, I did not see the Hugh Hefner Barbie Mansion that completes this set. *shrug* They must have been sold out. I'm sure it is very nice. Perhaps it comes with a thong bikini for the hot tub? If not, just a suggestion.

If I may ask, very liberal Sir or Madam, who exactly decided that dolls dressed like this were appropriate for girls ages 6+, as your website states. I am a Christian mother who is trying to raise a daughter with some sense of morals and Christian values. Which is difficult enough without adding Barbie dolls dressed like someone who makes her wages on the street. Yes, I do realize you have so kindly provided us with better clothed Barbie's. The High School Musical Collection indeed has more skin coverage and is much more appropriate for the age girl who actually plays with Barbie dolls! Thank you!!

Interestingly, I found these words on your website: "Educate. Empower. Engage." You also provide a message to parents regarding their daughters becoming a member on Barbie.com:

We want you to feel educated, empowered, and engaged as you navigate through kids’ virtual worlds. This is why we encourage constant conversation between you and your daughter. Start an open dialog. Make decisions together.


Don't worry, I did. My daughter and I had an at length discussion on what is appropriate clothing as she grows older and becomes more aware of style. You might even be please to know I used Barbie photos in my discussion. Gabriella, yes....Super Short Dress Barbie, NO!





Thank you for taking the time to read my letter, Liberal Sir or Madam. If you ever take suggestions from consumers, I have a couple. How about a LL Bean or Lands End Barbie. Just a thought.

4 comments:

Teresa said...

Amen and Amen. And also, You Go Girl! I hope you really sent this to them. If not, I'm going to copy, paste and sign my name. Do you mind?

Have you seen the American's Next Top Model Barbies? I'm not even making that name up. Since when do girls who play with Barbies watch ANTM? Actually, I did happen to see a 6 year old on TV waiting to get the autographs of The Girls Next Door because it's her favorite show so......my bad.

Jenn said...

Wow, my daughter has not yet found an interst in Barbie (since she's only 3). I never knew they had Barbies like that. Shame, shame on them!!

By the way, that is a very cleverly written letter and it obviously took a little bit of a brain to write it.....something the folks who made those Barbies must be lacking!

Nancy M. said...

Wow! It has obviously been too long since I have looked at Barbies. I can't believe they dress them in so little. Guess I should be glad I have boys.

Tanya said...

In total agreement about the state of Barbies today! Thanks for checking out my blog post about WFMW too. =) Tanya