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.
The controversial tattooed Barbie, which is sold out.
Tokidoki.it
Photos (2)
Photos
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.
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.
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.
Would you buy this doll for your child?
Tell us in the comments.
Rachel Styles
3:25 pm on Thursday, October 27, 2011
lol a tattooed barbie doll. It is permanent, just like a real tattoo. People are always wondering why tattoos are permanent, this article gives a great explanation on why tattoos are permanent.
http://explainlikeakid.blogspot.com/2011/10/why-are-tattoos-permanent.html
Heather
5:26 pm on Thursday, October 27, 2011
I think this barbie is awesome!!! Yes I have tattoos, but I'm only 24 and grew up with barbie. If you think girls are gonna run out and get tattoos at a young age think again. You have to be 18 and some places now won't allow a parent to sign papers okaying for them to get tattoo. If anything parents should be outraged about some of barbies sleezy outfits. With barbie growing up I thought I needed to be just like her, some "Role Model"! I thought I needed to be skinny just like her and everyone else. But once I got older I realized she's nothing but a plastic unreal thing! I also realized that barbie isn't the only bad role model. All of these "real life" dolls like baby alive and a breast feeding baby set an example that girls should go out and become a mother at an early age because they know how to take care of a doll that acts justlike a baby. Who cares if barbie has tattoos. I'm pretty sure there are other things out their parents should be more worried about!
Kelli Dadds
6:13 pm on Thursday, October 27, 2011
So basically these irate moms are saying that it's ok to put out a body image that all girls should be a size 0 with long blonde hair, perfect tits and a drive a pink convertible. But throw in a "minority" and they go berserk! How long did it take for them to be ok with the "black" barbie? How long before Barbie had Careers instead of being arm candy? This infuriates me!
Chris Jacobe
11:32 pm on Thursday, October 27, 2011
I was a little more than outraged after reading this. There are issues in the world today that threaten our way of life as a global community. How can these people really be worried about a doll with tattoos? Number one, gain some perspective folks. The world is changing. Tattoos are the least of our worries. Number two, it is your job as parents to educate about these things. Let the kid have a doll with tattoos and explain that they are for adults only. If you shelter them and do not discuss with them why you would prefer for them to stay "ink free" you are setting yourself up for mass teenage rebellion. It will one day become your child's decision weather or not to get a tattoo... You should try to make it an informed one. Last but not least... Number three, I am willing to bet that most people who are up in arms about this have bought their kids temporary tattoos or let them put stickers all over themselves. This, I would think, would encourage the idea that tattoos are fine for them to have... proper education with standing. My point is, we are faced with things that are a real threat. War, famine, drought, economic decline, hate and apathy towards all aforementioned. As parents... why don't you turn your attention to something that will ACTUALLY effect the way your child grows up. Thank you.
Tj
5:31 am on Friday, October 28, 2011
Can I request a rockabilly Barbie with tattoos? I'm 23, mom of one with my fair share of tattoos and a modeling career built upon said tattoos. I grew up with Barbies and still have an extensive collection from The 1986 Barbie for President to the 2009 New Years Eve Barbie and I would not hesitate to add this Barbie to my collection.
Barbie's "high status" in society should be used to teach girls that no matter how you look or what you do YOU are still a person and amazing. This Barbie isn't trashy, and the beer and cigarette comment is completely unnecessary, I and many people I know with tattoos don't drink or smoke but live "normal" healthy lifestyles. We don't spread our stems for every guy that walks by, nor do we shoot up drugs or get wasted like the college girls that a typical Barbie represents.
WE ARE CREATIVE AND EXPRESS IT ON OUR BODIES, GET OVER IT. It's not taboo anymore.
Pete
6:29 am on Friday, October 28, 2011
As a dad, i cant stand barbie' s pysical portrayal of how little girls are supposed to look. I think thats more dangerous than her fashion. I'd rather my kids have tattoos than have a deadly eating disorder. Anyway, how about these occupations all over the country that could possibly reshape democracy as we know it? How about that African genocide? Oh yeah, how about the middle-east? Just raise your kids how you see fit and keep opinions minimal. It takes all kinds of people to make the world go round. Lets focus on the issues that could destroy all of their futures, like our economy.
laura
6:41 am on Friday, October 28, 2011
There has been a barbie with tattoos before, in 1998. I had one, and it didn't do me any harm. I do understand the concern that kids might want to get the tattoos done themselves, but same goes for dying their hair Barbie bleach coloured and wearing adult clothes etc.
calee
9:34 am on Friday, October 28, 2011
I dont understand why everyone is so upset..... take a look around.. What barbies should only teatch little girls to be slutty or a wife.. i would rather my daughter want a tattoo then was a skirt that her butt hangs out of but i guess thats just me. i have over 25 tattoos and i think im a good person tattoos dont mean the person is bad. i like to show off what i like. some girl were make up i wear tattoos.... parents get over it, its 2011 tattoos are the new thing to do...!!
Jolene
10:45 am on Friday, October 28, 2011
I really think people need to get over it! I would much rather my daughter look like this than that fake annorexic, bleach blonde gold digger look! My husband and I, as well as everyone close to our 5 kids, all have tattoos and we are not bad people! Find something better to do...raise your kids to know good and bad instead of spending all your time trying to get on tv and fight everyone!
El Cordova Garage
1:49 pm on Monday, October 31, 2011
This is crossing a line. Little girls play with Barbies. Getting a tattoo is and should be an adult decision, so why would toy makers influence children on something that should be an adult decision? This is telling your little girl it's allright for her to go out and get a tattoo before she has the mature mind to do so, not okay. It's bad enough that our children are exposed to so much sexualized ideas of how a woman should look by the media, now something like this. What happened to keeping things simple and pure for children? Why are we forcing them to grow up quicker than they should? Shouldn't they act their age and enjoy being children?
banana
1:08 pm on Thursday, November 17, 2011
I think it's a beautiful addition to the Barbie collection.
"Getting a tattoo is and should be an adult decision..." Yes. It is. So why even worry about what kids are going to think? They're going to see the doll as pretty, and play with it, and that will be that. Odds are they're not even going to play with it after 13. Kids can't get tattoos without a parent's signature up until 18. If anything, MTV and magazines are going to be influencing what your kid wants, not Barbie.