Federal judge bars MGA from making, selling Bratz dolls

[Lazybones]

http://money.cnn.com/2008/12/04/news/companies/bratz_dolls.ap/index.htm

I for one will be happy to see these awful slut dolls off the market, however it isn't like Barbie is all that good.

I cringe every time I pass them in the toy store, I wonder what will replace them.

[Thorin]

Hmm, copyright infringement because the person who developed the dolls used to work for Mattel when he dreamed them up?

Honestly, I think that parents completely over-react to Bratz dolls.  We have Bratz and Barbies and My Little Ponies all in the same container, and they all get dressed up, and they all end up back in the storage container without clothes on.  At least the Bratz dolls are so obviously cartoony that the kids won't think they need to look like a cartoon.  With Barbies, they're close enough to realistic that some girls actually think they need to look like that.

People complain about what the dolls teach our kids, but honestly, it's not up to a doll to teach your child how to behave and what to wear and how what you wear influences others' impressions and opinions of you!

And have you ever watched the cartoons or movies or played the video games?  As much as you call them "sluts", they spend less time than Barbie trying to impress or attract boys.  From what I've seen (and with two girls in the house, I've seen a fair bit), there's lots of empowering action, showing girls that they can do anything they want to do.

[Lazybones]

My problem with them is mainly focused on the fashion aspects.

Given the target age groups:
- Excessive markup use
- micro skirts
- fish nets (in combination with micro skirts)

Hell most of their outfits as depicted on the packaging match up with the naught nurse, naughty santas little helpers outfits you might see marketed in adult novelty stores.

[Mr. Analog]

Hahaha, slutty? Wholesome? The only toy that matters is SUPER HAPPY FUN BALL

http://dailystew.wordpress.com/2006/08/24/snl-classic-super-happy-fun-ball/

[Tonnica]

Ha, watch at Bratz turns in to a collector's item before they're taken off the shelves.

I can see what Lazybones means when he calls the doll line "slutty". Some of the outfits toe the line into risque territory and without guidance from a parent or other trusted peer it can promote the baby hooker look to pre-teens and teens. That is of course the worst-case scenario.

I think that's what has helped make a name for Bratz as an edgy line of fashion dolls. There are also some tasteful outfits in the line that I liked. But yes, there is a fair share of micro skirts. It's the same as with any doll be it Barbie or a hand-made Dollfie; most kids won't even register it or care they just think the dolls are cool and fun to play with. This is a huge hit to the investment MGA Entertainment has made in the dolls. Mattel must have one heck of a legal agreement employees sign when they are hired for this court case to have concluded the way it did.

[Mr. Analog]

Mattel must have one heck of a legal agreement employees sign when they are hired for this court case to have concluded the way it did.

I believe the Robot Devil attends each contract signing, wringing his [Fry's] hands together maniacally.

I've got a new idea for a doll series! They'll be non-fashion dolls modelled after the people who ride the LRT after 1 AM. I'll call them "Bumz".

There'll be "Old Crazy Guy", "Drunk Passed Out Guy", "Fighty Smelly Guy" and "Probably A Transvestite Chick".

I'll make millions!

[Thorin]

I've got a new idea for a doll series! They'll be non-fashion dolls modelled after the people who ride the LRT after 1 AM. I'll call them "Bumz".

There'll be "Old Crazy Guy", "Drunk Passed Out Guy", "Fighty Smelly Guy" and "Probably A Transvestite Chick".

Which one is you?

[Mr. Analog]

I've got a new idea for a doll series! They'll be non-fashion dolls modelled after the people who ride the LRT after 1 AM. I'll call them "Bumz".

There'll be "Old Crazy Guy", "Drunk Passed Out Guy", "Fighty Smelly Guy" and "Probably A Transvestite Chick".

Which one is you?

"Silent Observer Guy" (sold separately)

[Darren Dirt]

My problem with any of the modern series of dolls, and of course anything on the Disney Fantasyworld Channel, is the ATTITUDE that is encouraged , if not imposed, upon the impressionable kids.


Who worries about the clothing choices of these dolls, if the rebellious, disrespectful, gotta-be-like-everybody-else never-be-truly-unique/independent attitude is what really impacts the development of the target audience...


/CURMUDGEON MODE OFF.

[Mr. Analog]

Well, I have to say that the "rebellious" youth thing goes back a long way ya crazy old man!

Actually I think kids today are waaaaaaay more tame than they used to be.

[Lazybones]

Well, I have to say that the "rebellious" youth thing goes back a long way ya crazy old man!

Actually I think kids today are waaaaaaay more tame than they used to be.

Less rebellious but tame, I think not? The just do things in larger groups now.