However, Mattel and Nickelodeon, the maker of the doll and the station the show is aired on, say that the doll is just a more "grown up version" of Dora. Dora, invented in the late 1990's, has had to grow up with some of her fans, since they relate to her. Therefore, unlike the original dora, this image is geared more towards girls from 5 years to 8 years. Along with the new doll, a new series will be featured on Nickelodeon entitled "Go Diego Go". But not to fear, the new show will be aired along side with the old Dora.
What do you think? Should Mattel back off? Should it raise the target age for the new Dora? Or should parents accept that culture is changing, and the new Dora is a peek of what future cartoons will look like for kids?
The following clip below is from a Fox news airing on the doll.
I wouldn't want my daughters playing with the Bratz dolls that they talk about in the news clip; it's just like the presentation we saw on little girls' distorted views of beauty. But I don't think there is anything wrong with the new Dorah. She isn't sexy and she doesn't look slutty, she just looks more grown up. I think the parents who are complaining need to direct their attention to more vital areas and take the bubble off of their children.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Dave that the new Dorah is not crossing the line. I am not familar with this character or tv show at all, but from what I could tell it seems that Dorah, old and new, is an appropriate role model for children. As for the doll's I understand that mothers don't want their children to become consernded with their image so early on in life. Although I don't have children and am rarely exposed to them, I would say kids will be kids. If they eliminate the accesories of Dorah the explorer, children will create makeup with markers, or cut their dolls hair. By allowing these items on the market then Matel is making money, if a parent doesn't approve of the toy then don't buy it for your children.
ReplyDeleteI think some issues get blown out of proportion and this is definitely one of them. Just because Mattel is making an older version of Dora the Explorer, it doesn't mean she will have a negative impact on children. I don't think girls distorted views on beauty can be blamed on a doll alone. Parents aren't raising their children properly if this is the case. I also think that it is a little extreme to say a doll such as Dora the Explorer looks like a "tramp" like the once source said. I feel parents who think in this way, are not being realistic and are doing nothing but sheltering their kids. Many companies like Mattel update their dolls and characters so that they can follow the ages of their fans. For example, the "Rugrats all Growed Up" showed the Rugrats at an older age so that they could appeal to the children who watched the show and were getting older. However, this did not impact children in a negative way even though one of the main characters, Angelica, began wearing clothing that was more appropriate for a teenager. I think there are far worse things to be concerned about as a parent, and I don't think a doll will make or break a child and the way they turn out.
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