Are Barbies and Bratz dolls setting a bad example for young girls?

Question

I mean, none of the non-blonde or Ethnic Barbies is as popular as Blonde-haired blue-eyed Barbie, and they never star in the Barbie movies or books. And Bratz dolls never do anything empowering whatsoever - on the back of every Bratz package, no matter the doll, Karate, Genie, Tennis, Punk, is something tying the theme to fashion. I have some younger nieces- should I be concerned about this kind of stereotyping?

Answer 1

no-just dolls

Answer 2

At least Barbie had career choices. Heck, she's been a doctor, a vet, a business woman and an astronaut. Those Bratz dolls on the other hand I think set very poor example and contribute to what I've come to call the "sluttification of America's little girls". They don't need to be worried about their clothes when they are 5-9 years old. That will come soon enough and the body image issues that come along with it. They see the dolls in these clothes, they want the clothes. It's starting things off way too young. Let little girls be little girls. Not teenagers in training from age 4.

Answer 3

I think Barbies are perfectly fine for girls. Bratz dolls on the other hand are horrible trashy looking and don't set a good example for little girls. Whatever happened to baby dolls? Those Bratz dolls are dressed in mini skirts and high heeled boots and are wearing more makeup than I have ever owned. I would never let my child play with something that looked like that. And yeah, barbie has some skimpy outfits too, but at least she sets a better example for these girls.

Answer 4

I think there is a really big problem with the Bratz merchandise.
Bratz puts out a coloring book that tells you how to apply makeup and date guys. This is aimed at kids below 10. This is crazy!
Unfortunately stereotyping is everywhere, and barbies and bratz dolls are popular. If they don't see the stereotyping in the dolls, they will see it on tv, or at friends house, or in commercials. As long as they are brought up knowing that they are beautiful they way they are , and that women come in all shapes and sizes, then they should know the difference. We cant destroy the media stereotyping, but we can educate the young people.

Answer 5

I don't know what a Bratz doll is. I DO think that the Barbie dolls mostly set a really bad example for girls and are basicly evil. Most of society likes the blue eyed, anorexic look. Me too even sometimes and I'm NOT proud of it. It was WAY healthier for everyone when men preferred women the way they actually mostly are. Slightly heavier than a Barbie doll. Just look at pin ups from the 40s or any paintings from the last century. Its evil to make girls think that they can't have any fat or muscle and that if they do they aren't attractive. Its also evil to make adds that say that only really skinny women are pretty.

Answer 6

YES!!!!!! Take a look at the dolls they are dressed like hoochies. A little girl does not need to aspire to dress with their belly button showing and their skirt covering next to nothing. Society whines about kids wanting to grow up too fast but what do they give them? Dolls that look like they walked off the street corner. If you don't teach your child modesty and self-respect than who will? There is a big difference between Barbie and Bratz dolls. Barbie was never made to glorify dressing like a skank, Bratz dolls do. They are all about the clothes. At least Barbie had some education.

Answer 7

I guess it depends on where your priorities lie as a parent. If you don't mind that your kids grow up materialistic and conceited, then by all means let them have a Bratz doll. Let's be honest here: they DO have an effect on girls. These girls see how the dolls dress and therefore assume that's what they should be wearing to look cool. Frankly, I think that Bratz dolls look like sluts waiting to happen. I don't have a problem with barbies though, despite their body shape. It's all about your attitude, and Bratz ain't got the right one!

Answer 8

I cannot stand the brats dolls. My daughter isn't allowed to play with them, and I will not get them for anyone else kids either (for birthdays or Christmas) if they ask for them. Barbie at least "tries" to install some values. As far as the body, and boobs: yes, they are still unrealistic, but I've noticed lately her boobs are a little smaller than when I was young. I guess there trying to change. The bratz dolls just look sleazy, and they wear way to much make-up.

Answer 9

i myself dont like bratz dolls . and i dont allow my girls to have them . some of the outfits are way too skimpy . not to mention i think the dolls set in a girls mind at a young age that the way the doll looks is what you need to look like to be perfect , which gives them a bad self image .
i think they need to make dolls that are more realistic , that have every culture . and market them where they are as a group and not like barbie where the blond hair blue eyed on is the main doll .
also giving them a fashion that is acceptable for our little girls to wear. not something skimpy that a hooker or a stripper would wear to work .
as far as you being concerned ??? i cant answer that , but can say as a mom I AM . there are too many sicko pervs out there , and now our kids are wanting to dress like their dolly that looks like a bimbo.

Answer 10

I think barbies have a lot of influence on young girls. In this busy world instead of playing with friends, listening to stories from elders they are playing with barbies. Surveys proved that the girls who play with barbie dolls become self conscious, they like to be beautiful and attractive like barbie dolls & there is a chance of developing inferioritty complex which is a dangerous phenomenon.

Answer 11

The living example has the greater influence. If all they hear is their parents, peers, or media talking about the need to lose weight or plastic surgery...then they are more apt to think about it. I had Barbies and GI Joes. They were not my examples. At an early age it had been clear in my mind that they were only toys. I watched the way that my dad lived before me. He was a hard worker who taught me to work hard and respect freedom. He gave me the needed discipline when my behavior at home was bad. Wanting to please my peers had influenced me to make decisions of both body and behavior. What they did or said meant more to me than GI Joe or Barbie. They talked about me being too skinny. I gained weight. Then they talked about me being too fat. They cursed so I followed their example while with them. Finally I said enough is enough. This is not right. I found the weight that was comfortable with me. That group of peers were not helping me to set a good example for those who looked up to me. They got into trouble and made it difficult to learn all that I needed to in class. Some have gone to jail or have died doing drugs. My decision was to make my own judgements independently of their approval or disapproval. The most important example is the living one. By giving them the foundation to know that toys are only fantasy and not reality, they will be better able to know what is reasonable or unreasonable expectations. Having Barbies made me see that all females are unique and have their own physical features. No perfect female exists. The idea that Barbie should represent what a female must look like or posess in order to be desired or successful was ludicrous to me. They are only lifeless toys. I could not attain the muscles of GI Joe. My body has its own limitations. Am I upset that this is a fact? No. Toys are just toys. Humans are living and ever changing beings. Our bodies are not plastic molds.