This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Parents Irate Over Tattooed Barbie

Permanent tattoos on one model of the venerable toy have some critics worried about the message the doll sends to kids.

Just in time for Christmas, behold the newest Barbie to join the list of iconic American toys: tattooed Barbie.

Unlike her 2009 predecessor, Totally Stylin' Tattoo Barbie, which was taken off store shelves due to complaints, this 2011 doll doesn't come with removable butterfly and flower stickers. The elaborate ink designs on the limited edition toy are permanent, like real tattoos on people.

Japanese designer Tokidoki gave Barbie a whole new look: pink bob, skull and leopard print top and leggings, sparkly platform shoes and a faithful companion named Bastardino.

Find out what's happening in Coronadowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

According to Mattel, the edgy doll will not be sold in toy stores and is marketed as a collector's item for $50. The toy maker also reported the doll is already sold out.

This newest Barbie did not go over well with many parents on both sides of the issue of what should be valued more, being a role model or being free to express oneself.

Find out what's happening in Coronadowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Many believe Barbie has long been ill-proportioned and misrepresents what a girl's body should look like. With the comercialization of the tattoo-sporting Barbie, one angry parent said the doll might as well have "a cigarette in one hand and a beer in the other."

Others are pleased with the new doll because they say they finally have
a toy that represents a growing segment, those who enjoy a tattoo or two.

Our Parents Talk answers the question: Would you buy this doll for your child?

Tonia Accetta: I am no longer in the market for a Barbie doll as my own daughter is a bit old for dolls now and has moved on to electronics, but that's a topic for another day. Barbie has been depicted in every way from housewife Barbie to Dr. Barbie, but this is a new low for the blonde bombshell. I see this as yet another boardroom blooper and to say that it is only marketed for the avid collector is a little weird. The doll may reflect some part of adult life, but what's next, Rehab Barbie and Wife Beater Ken? Tattoos are a serious topic to discuss with our kids, more and more celebrities are showing them off and TV is now glamorizing tattoo parlors, but like some Facebook posts that they wish they could take back, kids may regret their choice to look like this Barbie!

Tam Dorow: If my daughter was into Barbie, I would consider buying this for her. It reflects what's in our world today. I don't know anyone between the ages of 25 and 40 who does not have some kind of tattoo. I personally would never “mutilate” myself that way but ... I have pierced ears, that's a form of mutilation as well. 

This Barbie is no different than any other Barbie in that they're all toys, not real people. I don't know any human being who has proportionately the same body type of Barbie, regardless of how much “work” they have had done or the mastery of the plastic surgeon.

I used to love my Malibu Barbie, her convertible, ski chalet, numerous fancy gowns, etc. I surely do not emulate her in anyway, although I would love to have her wardrobe, her material assets and her hot boyfriend (just a joke).

Let the kids play make believe, learn to be creative and outrageous. It's fun.

Kurt Sauter: I guess Mattel is trying to keep up with the times. Barbie needs to stay relevant in order to generate sales. It seems that tattoos are more common and don’t carry a stigma like they used to. I don’t think that Mattel is suggesting that kids get tattoos. I have friends with tattoos and I don’t think that as parents they would recommend tattoos for children.

Suzette Valle: There were many Barbies I didn't purchase for my child when she went through the Barbie stage; maybe it was the price that dissuaded me, or the choking hazard the tiny stilettos presented. In some cases I recall some Barbie dolls were downright ugly.

If I were to walk into a toy store today and witness my child pining for this particular doll I would not buy it for her. The price alone would be enough for me to coax her attention to the shelves below and help her chose a more appropriately priced and dressed Barbie for her age.

Having said this, tattoos were not as mainstream then as they are now. As our child was growing up, we allowed henna tattoos and other non-permanent skin decoration, opting to teach her to choose something temporary rather than permanent – something we still instill in our brood in case regrets set in after the novelty of this trend wears off.

 

Tonia Accetta is stay-at-home mom of a teenage boy and a preteen girl. She moved to Coronado in 2002 with her husband of 15 years.

 Tam Dorow emigrated from Vietnam when she was 10. She worked at all of the Big 3 U.S. car companies and has been a stay-at-home mom of two for the last 10 years.

Kurt Sauter is a father of two sons, works part-time as a chief engineer and system architect and volunteers with Coronado youth sports organizations.

Suzette Valle is a 20-year Coronado resident who was recognized by Time Warner as one of the local “50 Best Moms” in 2006. She has appeared on the Dr. Phil Show and blogs at MamarazziKnowsBest.com.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?