My Top Reasons NOT to Buy Bratz Dolls

While considering writing an AC article about my opposition to Bratz dolls I did a library search and found an article by Michelle Sciacca that motivated me further. Sciacca also compares Bratz with the likeness of the ever classic Barbie.

Bratz dolls have swept the little girl gift scene the pass few years. Bratz dolls have been one of the first lines of dolls to actually compete with Barbie and they are doing a darn good job. In many stores you will be sure to find an aisle devoted to these controversial dolls. I do not believe that a single doll will shape our children into who they will become. Playing with a karate doll will not make her a black belt and a doll with heavy makeup and risqué clothing will not turn her into a streetwalker. However, what these dolls portray may have a slight impact on a child. Children imitate what they see and if they are surrounded by toys and television shows that portray the same themes over and over, there will be an effect. I, myself have chosen not to allow Bratz these dolls in my home. Here are the several reasons that have guided my decision…

Big heads
Their heads are enormous! Bratz dolls have heads that are completely disproportionate from their bodies. This may be so that they can have the tremendous mane of hair all Bratz dolls have. This is a somewhat trivial reason considering that I allow Dora the Explorer in my house.

Enormous lips
These Bratz dolls have huge, voluptuous lips. They are always in a pouty, puckered position and are completely unrealistic. They scream “collagen injections,” and I just don’t approve of that.

Makeup
The makeup is comparable to that of a streetwalker. Yes, I said it. I would quite frankly, rather not have my daughter idolizing a doll that looks like that. The makeup highlights the unrealistic lips and big eye lashes. She will not be wearing makeup for a very long time and I definitely don’t want her drawing tips from Bratz dolls.

Feetdetach ?!
Ok, this may be irrational, but the feet detach and I find it creepy. Instead of putting shoes on the feet of these dolls, Bratz dolls have shoes that detach, foot and all! When you change their shoe all that is left is a little stump. I find it disturbing.

Risqué clothes
Perhaps my biggest problem with the Bratz doll line is the clothes. Most of the Bratz dolls are wearing clothes that show way too much. You’ll find them in mini skirts, low cut tops and midriff showing shirts. Some of the dolls are wearing more appropriate clothes but they are still nothing I would like my daughter to idolize.

Bratz Name
Lastly, the name “Bratz” turns me off on the toy too. A Brat is defined as “a child, especially a spoiled or ill-mannered one.” I would rather not make being a “brat” a positive thing. What a poor choice in naming a doll line for our children.

Even though my daughter will know the difference between real life and play time, I don’t want to expose her with adult and teenage styles and themes at such a young age. Playtime is a time of youthful innocence and I refuse to allow my daughter to play with a toy that disturbs that. I’m also not a big Barbie fan either. Barbie did make slight strides with the “professional-type” Barbie line. They then squashed it when they began competing with Bratz at their unfortunately low level.

Bratz dolls have further disturbed me with their new line of baby Bratz. They are baby dolls with the same features. Yes, the babies are wearing makeup and have insanely long hair, just like the others. They are also wearing clothes that are questionable.

Use your best parenting judgment when deciding on Bratz dolls. If you feel that they are ok for your child then that’s your choice, but I stand my ground. Never will I allow a Bratz doll to enter my home. My family and friends know this or feel the same way so they know never to buy one for my daughter. So remember this when buying for young girls because parents may not approve. They just may be stubborn and irrational like me.