I was delighted to read that "Bratz Dolls Begin to Show Their Age." Since awareness of plastic surgery has grown among younger consumers, perhaps MGA Entertainment Inc. could market a line of Bratz face-lift and collagen accessories that will "plump up" sales. Although the article suggests that sales are waning because girls are fickle, I'm hoping it's for a more substantive reason: Perhaps more consumers are realizing that these dolls promote a negative image.Call me square, but "pouty-lipped," handbag-carrying dolls with "big eyes" and "skimpy" outfits do nothing to foster positive female images to girls as young as three. As long as manufacturers, TV shows and mass media directed to young females promote how to shop, buy discount kids shoes and designer kids shoes apply makeup and look sexy, many of these girls will focus on attracting boys, becoming a pop-star diva and worrying about their weight. Maybe some enterprising company will come up with a line of dolls that are scientists, engineers and heads of state that age gracefully. I've already started on my sketches, and I'm not on Mattel's payroll, MGA!
Lisa Rinkus
West Newton, Mass.
Wall Street Journal; September 30, 2008
