Why do parents buy Bratz...?

Question

...for their little girls?? I work at a daycare and all day long I am surrounded by girls playing with these scantly clad, over sexualized dolls. I've seen the movies and their message isn't terribly bad but they don't have to look like prostitutes to say the little bit of nothing they say. The appearance of the doll is way to mature for children...the heavy make up, full lips, tiny and often exposed waist (which is so small that the pants/shorts they wear tend to fall off) and large full hips and breast.

Why would parents buy this doll and validate to their children that her appearance is acceptable. I'm 21 and to me they look like whores. If you are a parent would you or have you bought one for you child and what's your feelings about its appearance?

***And let me say this before I stop ranting and start reading your responses: If you think your 5-10 yo child isn’t aware about societies views of sexual attraction you are sadly mistaken. From a early age television and our society programs children about relationships…I’ve had a few 2 yo explain to me how relationships work but this is what most girls are being programmed to believe: Boys like girls and girls like boys. Boys like pretty girls. Pretty girls wear make-up and behave and dress a certain way. If you wanted to be liked you must become pretty.

LOOLOO you right I'm not a psychiatrist but even after all of the class I've taken on childhood development, psychology, sociology and a few others plain old common sense will tell you that if you lie down with dogs you'll get up with fleas. But I must say spending time with children is the best thing any parent can give their offspring but you undermine all that you have instilled in them when you give them a doll that looks like a whore and then tell them; "Oh but Sally don't you ever dress like this"….that’s utter hypocrisy.

Answer 1

Thank you so much for asking this question. I have asked myself this question several times before.... Every time I see those hideous dolls! And I am shocked to read responses from the mothers and women who agree that the dolls look like hookers but still buy the dolls for the little girls in their life. Girls should be modestly dressed and shouldnt be allowed to wear make up. And to allow them to play with a doll that teaches them to dress in such a manner is, in the nicest way I can say what I feel right now, bad message to send to the children. Wouldnt let my daughter dress in the clothing I see sold in stores now. No bare tummy showing, no halter, no make up, no heels, no short shorts, no mini skirts, no halter tops. COVERED. With all the pedophiles....are you KIDDING?

I have 2 boys, and I explain the message the dolls send to them. And heck no I would never ban tv or music, but that doesnt mean my children get free reign. They arent allowed to listen to vulgar music that desparages women, uses curse words, talks about sex, or glamorizes violence. Neither are they allowed to watch television programs that have sexual content or violence. While there are curse words in even some children's movies, my children KNOW better than to even utter a curse word. If they arent sure if it is a curse word they will ask. My 7 y/o wanted to know if "cotton-headed ninny muggins" from the movie "Elf" was a curse word. Neither are they allowed to watch wrestling, or play with toys that promote violence. Computer use is closely monitored as well. Let children be CHILDREN!! Children need good clean, WHOLESOME role models!

And you GO GIRL for asking the question and standing up to those who think it is ok to buy those TERRRRIBLE DOLLS

Answer 2

You'd be surprised. I work at a toy store and so many people buy these and then there's another barbie from a spanish tv show I believe it is. They are absolutely the skankiest dolls I've ever seen for children! And what makes it worse some parents allow their daughters (ages around 10) wear clothes similar. I am young but I found these dolls disgusting with the message they could be sending. Hopefully toy makers in the future will stop and think.

Answer 3

I'm 21 too, with a 17 month old and a 6 month old. I have to say I totally agree with you!!! Who in the he*l would let their children play with dolls that look like little prostitutes? My son and daughter will grow up knowing that they will be liked for WHO THEY ARE and not how they talk and dress. It's no wonder why so many young children have eating disorders, what in the world happened to go old fashioned barbie and GI Jo's? I feel kids these days are expected to grow up and act as adults too soon. It's really unfortunate, and I hope I can give my kids the best childhood possible!
I agree with April!

Answer 4

I agree with LooLoo, and fat and happy! I realize that you don't agree with them. But Barbie has been around for years, every girl has owned them. For the most part, Barbie wears make-up, has a body that is mostly unattainable with perfect measurements, and she had Ken. I don't agree with you when you say that's the message that these girls receive by playing with Bratz! My 8 year old has both Barbie and Bratz, but doesn't play with either anymore. She will not wear tight clothing or anything that shows her belly. My eight year old does not know what a whore or slut is, so that's not what she's thinking. I think you are making a big deal out of a small issue!

Answer 5

I agree as well! I have a 9 1/2 year old daughter and three foster daughters(6,8 &10) I feel that they portray an image that I don't want for my daughters. I will not buy them. I exchange them if given as gifts.
I have 3 neices(and their mother) that are obsessed with the things. They actually try to dress like that! You can only imagine how they looked when they showed up in mini skirts, knee boots, huge belts and high ponytails to Christmas dinner. Totally inappropriate for a 8, 10 & 12 year olds.

Answer 6

I recently bought two for my brother-in-law's stepdaughter. She was already into it since her mother doesn't do much for her daughter except provide food, shelter and clothing. I also didn't have any ideas to buy the girl, so I just stuck with what was already known to her. But I entirely agree with you and will not buy Barbies or Bratz or whatever else is out there that will completely make my daughter (who is only 2.5 yrs now) feel inferior! But it's all apart of the marketing scheme, and at least you have not fallen for it!

Answer 7

I buy my daughter who is 5 the Bratz dolls, I buy the ones that have more clothes on, even though all she does is take them off anyway, She watches the cartoon on Saturday mornings and they aren't that bad, mabey if you sit and watch the show, kids ususally act out what they see with their barbies or their bratz, if they are raised right, the doll wont have any affect on them.

Answer 8

A doll dressed like a s l u t with a figure that no woman can obtain naturally is sadly not a new concept. Her name is Barbie, and every little girl has owned one at one time or another. Bratz are just the new generation. Makes you wonder why they are so popular!

Answer 9

I totally agree! When I was growing up we had Raggedy Ann and baby dolls that didn't look like streetwalkers!

Bratz. Talking about sending the wrong message out to impressionable little girls!!!!

Answer 10

My daughter has them and she doesn't think women have to be "pretty" or "sexy" to attract men. I don't think that these dolls teach girls that at all. You can teach your children morals and values. . . it's up to the parents to raise their kids, not the toys!
Besides, there are a million other things out there, like rap videos, magazines, movies, t.v. shows that also portray women the same way. Are you going to rant and scream about those as well????

** I am not undermining my daughter. I don't tell her she has to act a certain way or dress a certain way. She is old enough to know what works for her and what doesn't. I don't think buying those dolls is hypocritical at all.