Tween Dora: Keeping Up with Barbie?

According to Eco Child’s Play, Mattel will be coming out with a Tween Dora to complement the existing pre-school Dora now much loved by our nation’s youngest generation.

Incidentally, Barbie is currently celebrating her 50th anniversary, and we all know that Barbie doesn’t resemble Dora in the slightest. Many parents, however, are wondering whether the new Tween Dora will simply be a clone of the original Barbie.

Apparently, Tween Dora will be thinner than the current “Dora the Explorer”, with a much larger line of accessories, and the marketing materials might be geared toward an older generation of children.

So what does this mean for the future of toys for young girls? And are the new dolls and accessories a little too grown up?

At the beginning of the year, there was a mild public outcry over the Bratz dolls who were sporting belt buckles that read “Enter. This isn’t to say that the new Tween Dora doll will have any such accruements, but it certainly raises questions about the intentions of toy manufacturers.

The new Tween Dora doll might become the latest in a string of irritants to parents who want more conservative dolls for their children. Obviously, toy manufacturers are going with what sells, however, so these dolls must be popular among some parents.

Of course, Barbie is almost 50 years old, and she’s always been thin with curves and plenty of less-than-conservative outfits. Lately, many of the dolls on the market have come with designer purses, revealing clothes and anatomically correct bodies. Yet this doesn’t seem to be a new phenomenon; it’s simply catching more attention.

This also brings up the issue of children’s clothing, which is increasingly revealing. The local Macy’s department store, for example, markets young girl’s clothing in the form of halter tops, bikinis, “skinny jeans” and more. It is hard to say whether products like the new Tween Dora doll will have any affect whatsoever on what young girls want.

According to WJBF.com, Mattel claims that the new Tween Dora doll won’t be marketed because of her “fashionista” style or new, updated body. She will be focused on solving mysteries and will be geared toward older children.

Mattel also claims that the new Tween Dora doll will be the “anti-Barbie” with no similarities. Parents and children will find out this fall, when teen Dora is released.

It seems to me that parents should hold their criticism until they actually see the new Tween Dora doll. It is entirely possible that she will be acceptable for young girls of all ages, and comparing her to Barbie is likely premature. Since Mattel is keeping the Dora doll under wraps, no one knows what she will look like.

Until then, parents whose children watch “Dora the Explorer” should be aware that Tween Dora is on the horizon, and will likely capture the hearts of young girls everywhere. What do you think? Is Mattel stretching the limits of creativity by offering a Tween Dora doll, or is this just business as usual? And will you allow your children to play with Tween Dora? Give your side of the issue in the comments.

Sources:

Jamie Ervin, Tween Dora? Maybe it’s Time for Mattel to Grow Up, Eco Child’s Play

Barbie.com, Barbie’s 50th anniversary

WESH.com, Mom Says Doll Has ‘Sexually Suggestive’ Message, January 12, 2009

WJBF.com, YOU DECIDE: Dora the Tween?