Malia and Sasha dolls - inspiration or exploitation?

January 22, 10:33 AMParenting ExaminerTerreece Clarke

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Ty's newest Ty Girlz Beanie dolls

Ty, the company that makes beanie babies has come up with "Marvelous Malia" and "Sweet Sasha" beanie dolls. Both dolls are African American but Ty insists they are not replicas of the young Obama girls.

Everyone knows that the Obama girls are a hot news topic right now, and I'm not so sure I believe Ty. J Crew's web site crashed after crowds logged on to look for the coats the Obama girls wore to the inauguration. I'm pretty sure Ty is hoping for the same amount of enthusiasm for their product. The dolls are featured both on the main web site's home page and on the separate "Ty Girlz" web site.

One marked difference between the dolls and the real Obama children is the "Malia" doll is pictured with fully developed bust. The real Malia is only 10 years-old and hasn't crossed that threshold yet.

What do you think? With rampant Obama marketing for everything from watches to collector's plates and t-shirts are the Obama girls fair game or is Ty going too far? What about the breasts? Creative license or another example of over-sexualization of girls?

Tell us your thoughts below!