To Barbie or not to Barbie?

[mrsruffallo]

I never wanted dd to have one, but her friend has a couple and ny dd loves them.
She has told me she wants to save up for one-what do you think?

You know, for me, the ridiculous body shape is so tiny in terms of why we don't have Barbie or anything like it (Bratz and Bratz babiez, I'ma lookin' at you)

Actually, we only have one of those German dolls, and it was purchased from America as a present by a friend for my eldest. There's no way we'd be able to afford them! But you can still get cheaper dolls like that from toyshops.

Our main objections to Barbie-type dolls are the rampant materialistic consumerism they represent which is completely out of step with everything else we do. And letting the girls have one in the hope that they'll just forget about them after a few weeks is a problem for exactly the same reason.

So there, see.

Well Sue, people obviously bring their kids up differently. The reasons you have described would never be reason enough for me to stop my child having a particular toy.

So long as its age appropriate, i can afford it and they are not turned into brats by giving them everything they want, i dont really give a hoot about anything else. And I really do not think that the toys they play with as kids has any bearing on how they grow up.

It doesnt bother me that Mattel are makes billions out of us for being mugs and buying Barbie and her trillions of accessories.

I was never allowed Barbies (I was a PFB), but my sister was. I don't think either of us were particularly warped by our differing Barbiesation experiences.

Personally I reckon that if DD wants one when she gets to the relevant age she can have one (or two), but not oodles of them and not all the commercial crap that goes with them -- more focus on making clothes and accessories at home. This is probably over-idealistic...

true, Sue, I'm adjusting my thinking. That's 2 good reasons not to buy.

In any case, Bratz Babies would never, ever happen in this house. Should be illegal imo!

My older children (dss & dds) have reminded me that amongst other things they used to make parachutes for Barbie out of string and handkerchief or plastic carrier bag sides. Threw the Barbies out of the bedroom window and watched what happened.
Barbie is just a good sized doll, not too big and not too small, to make up some really good games with.

Consumerism! oh heck, look, we all go on about the best for our kids, we buy brand names, not rola cola! its the same with toys, you trust in a brand, its tried and tested, better than market barbies, with heads that fall off!

There was a hell of a Barbie safety recall recently! with lead paint concerns! They are made in China like the rest of the cheapo dolls. Don't trust that big brands are necessarily safe!

I think that Sue meant the ever changing parade of accessories and versions, normajean:

teaches that having lots and lots of stuff makes you happy.
Also that your 'old' Barbie is now obsolete - you need the new version with vomiting cat or whatever.

LOL at rola cola! I have actually bought that on occasion!lol

Dont think it makes the 'old' version obsolete when they bring out new accessories or models. My ds loved action man when he was younger and had a big collection. HE didnt stop playimg with the old figures though, he would just have one big adventure with action man and DrX or some other arch enemy!

singepantalon

just got unechauvesourismère

der.

OBM, you have correctly expanded on my materialist consumer objection. And, deary me, Brands? Yikes.

But carmenelectra, Barbie is very much defined by the things she owns, isn't she?

(As well as her appearance)

And a lot more than action man who is defined more by the things he does, I think.

ie. killing ha ha ha!

Yes. Must be great to be be Barbie. She has everything. The looks, figure, accessories. Im v.jealous.

I am actually quite like Barbie, my legs only move one way at the hips.

and in every other respect, I'll wager Sue. Particularly the wardrobe?

Oh good grief, yes. Three wardrobes stuffed full of synthetic fibres in impossible colours that barely cover my hinges and a giant ponytail sticking up on the top of my head.

and full-body depilation? little feet that walk on invisible high heels? Painted-on eyelashes?
NO NIPPLES?!!

No, no nipples. That's why I FF my son. And I walk on tiptoes because my crutches are too high for me. And no, not an ounce of organic hair on my body.

We were chortling when we found out that dd4 called nipples 'wrinkles'. Then discovered that dd3 calls them 'muscles'!

Hello Gibber!
Does DD3 like action man then?

Nooo I'm ashamed to say Bratz

They make Bratz ducks now? When will the madness end?!!

was trying to make a huge shock emoticon, taking up whole message box, made out of the tiny ones, but lost will to live.