I read with interest that Barbie just turned 50. Millions of young girls have had Barbies and her assorted friends, myself included. And millions of girls have tried to copy her look for obvious reasons. Some older women still try to copy her look, i.e. Pamela Anderson, although it may be time for her to find something new.
Still, Barbie ranks high on the list of toys for girls because, let's face it, to a child, she's cool. They want to look like her, wear her clothes and act like her. Knowing this, I was stunned to find that parents can now find a new iteration of Barbie, one that surely makes a statement and is a sign of the times. Tattoo Barbie. But if you want one, they're sold out at Toys R Us.
The new “Totally Stylin Tattoos” Barbie has hit shelves just in time for spring.
Totally Stylin Tattoo Barbie comes with a set of tattoo stickers, which can be placed anywhere on her body.
The set also has a tattoo gun that’s similar to a water gun, so kids can stamp tattoos on her clothes and themselves. Oh, joy!
Mattel says the tattoos for kids are temporary and wash off. At least until they get the real thing.
This is the second try for Mattel and the ‘Tattoo Barbie’ . They released “Butterfly Art Barbie” back in 1999. She was pulled from shelves after four months of being on the market do to a large amount of complaints by parents. Not so lucky this time. Why? Because parents are flocking to buy them and because Mattel says they have no plans to discontinue the doll saying she gives girls a chance to express themselves and be creative.
What's the problem you say? There are several. So let's take a look at tattoos and see why teaching millions of children that getting a tattoo is not a good idea.
So my question: is Barbie having a mid-life crisis or is she just trying to be relevant? If your answer is relevant, then, "Girls, can you say infectious disease?" Now that's relevant!
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Comments
Shame on you. "Due" some research next time, okay?
No, shame on Mattel. But seriously, let's take shame and other negative emotion out of it shall we? My point is that Mattel is promoting a toy that teaches girls that it's ok to learn to tattoo their bodies long before they are old enough to make that decision for themselves. I'm not against tattoos if they're done by reputable people on consenting adults who have made a conscious decision to have them. A child is vulnerable to all messages, especially those associated with such a cultural icon as Barbie. I don't think it's fair to the child and I don't think it's socially responsible for adults to carelessly think it's just another way to have fun. Mattel is manipulating us and our little girls for profit and for that I say "for shame". Sorry, but I'm going to have to disagree with you on this one.
Doctor Lissa, Troy was trying to say you need to do a spellcheck before you publish your article next time:
"She was pulled from shelves after four months of being on the market <b>do</b> to a large amount of complaints by parents."
I have to say I disagree with your commentary on the new dolls. While I do understand that children are being rushed to grow up, your opinion is outdated. Take a look at the times in which we are living and understand that there is still discrimination and your commentary is promoting that based on your opinion that an infectios disease is just as relevant as tattoos. That is a gross misrepresentation of what these dolls intend, and that is individuality. But, let me guess, when you drop your kids off to soccer practice in your mini van, i'm assuming that your not in a rush to befriend anyone who looks different than you do!
So, it's OK for Barbie to send the message to girls that unless you are thin and have a huge rack, not to mention a rockin' wardrobe, that Midge'll never be your friend and Ken will need honk for you in his dream car, but it's not OK for her to have a tattoo? There are countless women you wish they could remove a tattoo they got in their youth, but I'll bet there are more you wish they could be at piece with their bodies.
As a 30 year old women with 8 small tattoos and a 7 year old daughter. I can say that I am proud of my tattoo and what they stand for in my life. And I have spoken with my daughter about them many times. I think people need to get over themselves and realize that if you don't like something don't look at it, don't watch it, don't do it. But don't shame others who have different opinions.
It's just a toy. If your worried about a toy influencing your child so much that she decides to go get a tattoo. You as a parent need to have a stronger foundation with your child. I don't think its the times that change barbie, just after 50 years Mattel is running out of good ideas.
Let's face it we choose to do what we want with our bodies. Everyone should be honest with each other because at one time or another we all thought about getting a tattoo. I personally don't have one. Yet I don't judge those who do....for those who have a tattoo be proud I think they are a work of art and I don't discriminate. If my kids one day tell me they want a tattoo, I will talk to them about their choice and will hold their hand if they need me. Parents please instead of wasting energy complaining how about talking to your kids instead.
Do you seriously think that your 7 year old is going to go out a get a tatoo? When you finally hit your teen years, Barbie is out. You would rather go to the mall and hang out with friends then play with barbie. I was a huge barbie fan and hope that my children are to. Shes there to teach you that it is ok to be whoever you want to be whether it is a doctor or a tattoo artist. It is your part as a parent to teach your children whats right and wrong. They shouldnt learn that from Barbie.
What about temporary tattoo's? They are sold everywhere. I am 27 & used to put them all over when I was growing up. Guess what... I don't have a tattoo! Tattoo Barbie will not have a bigger impact then the child's parents and society. Give me a break!!
To everyone who reads this article... Read some of Dr. Lissa's other articles. Two words will sum up her writing capability: "shock jock".
hmmm, I guess this writer didn't notice that temporary tatoos have been around for a very long time, they were around when I was a kid, and kids have loved temporary tattoos. Funny thing is I DIDN"T LIKE THEM, but I Have a tattoo. So, how does barbie getting a temp tattoo teach anything to kids? Other than if you want a temporary tattoo on go ahead or put it on barbie. THey seriously need to ban those 25 cent machines at the supermarket that sells temporary tattoos. Danger will robinson, DANGER!!! I think her thin frame and proportions, as well as her PERMANENT high heels send a much poorer message to children. People with tattoos are not automatically degenerates. A lot of people have tattoos to remember lost loved ones, or symbolize their children whom they love very much...how is this bad?
Oh I forgot to add....to those who dislike this idea do you have pierced ears?? Cause according to my late grandmother, regular pierced ears are what low class individuals have. Therefore, barbie has pierced ears and that also sends a bad message. That must be where it all went down hill...but only having big boobs, only being 36-24-36, only having permanent high heels, are all ok right?? just checking again.
I would have to agree with Dr. Lissa. In my opinion kids grow up too quickly and toys of this nature encourage that. Someone wrote it is a sign of the times. I believe the moral fiber of society today is extremely lacking and this is an example of it.
This is such a funny article. The video is even more hilarious! Ooooh Barbie has a butterfly on her shoulder! Her jeans cover her legs! Oh no! She has breasts!! You all are so stupid. You all are either babbling on about how "Barbie is harming our children!" or about how she has every right to express her individuality!
Alright, first of all, when you're a child and you're playing with Barbie, you're not thinking about getting a real tattoo or doing drugs or hitting up Ken (unless you have parents that are really crappy that way and encourage those things). When you're playing with Barbie, you're just playing with a doll, having a wonderful pretend world where a grown person can be a child if she wants (and wearing fake tattoos). If you happened to consider a REAL tattoo by that age, you would obviously have some idea about how that works: using a needle. Sorry, but when I was little, I had a panic attack whenever my mother would take me to get a shot at the doctor's office. All a child is thinking that young is "Yay! A sticker that stays on longer! And now Barbie can match!"
Second of all, to all of you who are all "Oooh, Barbie has a big rack, has feet ready for heels, is perfectly tall and proportioned, and, oh-my-gosh, she's totally swaying the world's children to be just like her." Can you say stereotype much? Girls don't decide to get nose jobs and breast implants because of Barbie, they get them because it makes the average American man look at them. Some girls just naturally have a rack worthy of attention (not saying the attention should be asked for, if you have boobs, you can notice them pretty darn well in a t-shirt). Some girls just happen to be like Barbie, and because America has idolized that type of person, America has shunned and stereotyped it as well. If you really are offended by Barbie's appearance and her "perfection" or "slutty self" or what have you, then you yourself are probably threatened by her because you think she actually is prettier than you. Go get some confidence...and a life too.
Third of all, for those of you who complain, "kids grow too fast!" Guess what, whether Barbie has anything to do with it or not, they're going to. Even if Barbie has nothing to do with it, a small girl will still look at her mother or older sister or any other female role model in their life, and she will try to be like her. She is expecting to be a woman some day, so she is GOING to explore what a woman is like. As a parent, YOU get to choose when and how it is done. You have the money, right? Don't like Barbie? Don't buy her. Instead, get some time from your busy life and show her what a REAL woman is like. Encourage her that she's beautiful, but that it's okay to play dress up or to have a makeover if you're happy with yourself. This has always been a contradictory thing, and it always will be.
"Why wear makeup if you're confident about yourself?"
"Because I want to have purple eyelids today."
Get over it.
I mean sure, a child won't really be interested in makeup until later (when I was little, I didn't want ANYTHING on my face. It was uncomfortable!). As a parent, you cross that bridge when you get to it. Encourage your child to have fun, work hard, and to appreciate his or her life (boys aren't necessarily left out of this. They don't necessarily want or need to be like Tony Hawk or G.I. Joe).
So I think I pretty much summed up this entire debate.
Are you an adult with tattoos? Lovely.
Are you old-fashioned and want to raise your children without issue? Good for you.
Do you think Barbie's a whore? Depends on the clothes YOU put on her. And besides, takes one to know one.
Do you think Barbie's a stereotype? Only because you think that every girl on this planet want to be blond, wear pink, and smile all the time. You totally just know that NO ONE is happy with their bodies.
Guess what, Barbie isn't anything at all.
She is a doll.
She is a toy.
She isn't real.
She doesn't talk, walk, shop, love, or save the world. She does what YOU want her to do.
MAYBE you want her to have a butterfly on her shoulder. Maybe you don't. It's a hunk of plastic. What an impact on this world!
You know what? If your daughter's skin ends up black and blue, if she goes around hitting up every guy (or girl even), if she ends up with an infection because she got a tattoo done without your permission at some shady place, and if she starts puking the delicious grilled chicken and potatoes that you slaved over the stove to make, then you totally suck as a mom (and/or dad). Barbie didn't do that, you did.
I used to play with Barbie. No big deal really.
I personally get MY inspiration now from Seventeen Magazine, from my family and friends, and from the stupidity of the world that tells me what NOT to do.
I used to play with Barbie, and look-at-what-it-did-to-me. It's so terrible that I: ended up valedictorian of my class, have an amazing boyfriend who doesn't want me for sex, have lots of friend of different shapes, sizes, and what you'd call stereotypes, and don't want a tattoo because I don't like needles or putting pictures on me, not because it's some satanic thing or because it'll ruin my life forever.
Have a happy life! :)
Look, I just want to say, as a teen and as a past barbie player, that temporary tatoos aren't going to lean children's minds into thinking about getting a real one.
I know what you're thinking: "Yeah, another snotty teen..blah blah blah"
But honestly, I believe that children influenced by your parents, friends, or 'role models'. I played with Barbies when I was younger A LOT. I liked, and still like to, use my imagination. And now, I love to paint, write, act and sing. I play guitar and recorder, and I like to read fiction. I'm a virgin, have no tatoos and my ears are the only thing that are pierced. And I only have one piercing per ear. I get straight As and I'm the smartest girl in my whole school. I'd like to be a pediatrition for children with special needs when I'm grown up, as well as a professional singer.
Barbie sure as heck didn't influence all of that. As well as she didn't influence any bad choices I made, which were basically minor, such as simply lying.
Now you can hate Barbie, or you can love her.
But Barbie is a toy in the hands of a little girl, (And occasionally a little boy who wonders why the girls play with them) and they only see her as a pretty lady that they can pretend to be, or even make up little stories for. And if you don't like Barbie, don't buy her. Simple.
Now enjoy your day. Carpe Diem.
If you think the worse thing that can happen in this world is tattoos, then you have major problems. Walk down the street and see a ton of tattoos! They are pretty common now days, this is nothing new! And there are rules and laws about who and what age someone can get a tattoo, if you are a good parent you will talk to your kids about everything in life, not just tattoos, I am a manager of a retail store and I have tattoos, and they dont effect how I do my job or how I treat people. MY PARENTS taught me how to be a good person, not A DOLL! Maybe the people who have problems with this doll should not buy this doll!!!!!! Get over it, it's a doll.
I dont think they should sell this new barbie doll, because it has a very bad influence on children! Sure, a 7 year old girl wont go out and get a tattoo, but what about when she's older? She'll wanna look just like Barbie, and get a tattoo! And let's face it: Tattoos are way worse than her having big boobs, because once you have a tattoo, ther's no way of getting rid of it, unless you wanna go through a painful surgery. Now, I know the ones they have are temporary, but only on the children, not on the doll. They need to get rid of these new dolls NOW!
Oh yeah, and i'm not saying that you can get rid of big boobs, but having big boobs is better because breasts are natural(and i am talking about the natural kind people, not the kind where you go get breast implants),and a tattoo is a permanent mark that will or could ruin your life!
Disagree all you want, "Doctor Lissa". The fact is that parents are playing less and less of a leading role in their children's lives today. So, rather than take the blame for that themselves, they're going to blame a piece of plastic, "violent" video games, "degrading" music, and everyone else but themselves.
It's a little temporary, stick on tattoo that's removable with rubbing alcohol or good old-fashioned soap and water. They're sparkly butterflies, for god's sake, not "all aboard" etched permanently into their skin above a little anchor on your child's buttock.
And, to agree with a lot of the opinions on here, if your little seven, eight, nine, or ten year old is out getting inked--I think a tatooed barbie is the LEAST of your worries.
OMG.. I can tell that everyone hating is OLD. Tattoos have been around for thousands of years. You guys are all worried about the effects on your kids when there isn't any reason to flip out like you are. People can't get a tattoo UNLESS they are 18+ OR they have a parent or guardian so there is no reason to flip. Who gives a crap if barbie has tattoos and big boobs, more power to her I say. Just because you all have issues with it shows how insecure you are about yourselves so you have to hate on a doll. I bet your all thinking "wow this chick is probably really young and doesn't have kids yet blah blah blah" Your right I am young, don't have kids and I'm not conservative. To further my point, You really think that a 7 year old kid would be able to sit through a tattoo session? YEAH RIGHT. They would probably be ok until the tattoo gun hit their skin and once they felt that they would cry and scream and not want one anyway. Sheltering your kids will do more harm than good, especially with girls I might add.
@- DL- OMG you have got to be kidding. So just because YOU see tattoos as "wrong" you think its ok to shelter your child from them? Kids get fake tattoos all the time WHO CARES!?! Oh yes your little girl is going to tattoo herself, WITH WHAT?! I ask you(oh no not the dreaded sharpie(gasp). These kids are a whole new generation and they are smarter than you think. Kids are easily imprinted that is true BUT they learn quickly when pain is involved. I have my tongue pierced and I bet you think that I'm crazy and a bad influence. If you think sheltering your kids from people like me is right then you are being just as manipulating as our government is in the classes you send them to. Instead of sheltering them, why not educate them about it? Let your kids be WHO THEY ARE and WHO THEY WANT TO BE, instead of what YOU want them to be. If they wanna stop going to church, let them, if they want to wear cinderella costumes to the mall tell them to go for it. And if they want to get a fake tattoo WHO CARES cause like I stated above its not like a little kid could get a tattoo without 1) permission 2) backing out because of the pain factor. What? Is little Kimmy going to walk to a tattoo parlor with 200 bucks and have a rubber duckie tattooed on her bum? I think not. In short, I'm disgusted that you think that teaching your child tattoos are wrong is ok. Having a tattoo doesn't make you a bad person so you shouldn't imprint your kids to be so close minded.
@ Annie- I completely agree with you.
To What the heck is wrong with Mattel?... I think the real question is, what the heck is wrong with you? Honestly, how many grown women do you know that honestly want to look like Barbie? I'm sure there are some, but I think most girls give Barbie up by age 10 or 11. And let's assume that every girl who plays with Barbie growing up will want to look like her as an adult, as you seem to think. Well, you say that tattoos are worse than big breasts. But if they're getting tattoos to be like Barbie, why wouldn't they get fake boobs, too? Not all women naturally have big boobs. So assuming they'll be doing both, which do you really think is worse: Getting art on your body, or slicing your chest open, shoving silicon in, and stitching it back up? Really? You think tattoos are the problem there?
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