Are Bratz A Bad Thing

A minor controversy has arisen about whether Bratz dolls are appropriate for young girls. This kind of reaction to a toy is not new or novel.

Whether a toy is appropriate or not is, or should be, determined by the child's parents. The Bratz craze is not unlike every other toy craze in history. Some people abject to the Bratz because it is alleged that they portray an attitude unflattering to young girls.

Such an "attitude" cannot be blamed on Bratz. Neither can it legitimately be argued that Bratz perpetuates such an attitude. This "spunky" attitude preexisted the Bratz by at least 10 years. If some find the emphasis on fashion and clothing objectionable, remember that every doll marketed to girls does the very same thing. When Barbie was introduced to the toy market at the New York Toy Fair in 1959, many objected to Barbie for the same reasons. Many mothers objected That Barbie was too sexy. A teenager with a mature figure. An exaggerated figure at that. Along with the figure came the mature and sexy clothes, which were, at first, haute couture. The emphasis on clothing created a "buy me this" attitude that the toy makers love.

This concern over the Bratz is just another phase for parents, such as rock'n roll, Elvis, black motorcycle jackets, horror movies, television, the list is long. Ultimately, what really matters is good adult role models and guidance. Good parenting (guidance) trumps just about everything else.