American Girl Homeless for the Holidays
We’re four days away from Christmas, so you’ll be forgiven if you think the biggest controversy in the toy box is the scarcity of Zhu Zhu Pets.
Earlier this year, Mattel subsidiary American Girl has introduced a new doll this season named “Gwen.” And yes, like all the AG gals, you can take her for tea parties and to get her hair done and whatever else you do with American Girls.
But Gwen differs from her plastic sisters in a very important way: Her character is homeless, which has stirred up a bit of attention, to say the least.
First off, this isn’t a fundraising effort for any charity (although the company does reportedly give money to nonprofit like HomeAid). Secondly, the doll costs $95, making it a bit out of reach for any family that is even remotely in need this holiday season.
CBS News has an interesting story on the situation, and what influence the doll might have on how children perceive the issue of homelessness.
What do American Girl’s faithful followers think of the controversy? They’re outraged! Nah, not really.
A spin through the 26 pages of comments on the doll’s page at the AG site lovingly pay homage to her “chocolate eyes,” the “beautiful” embroidery and “neat texture” on her dress, and her “pretty warm blonde” hair.
A few posters allude to the kerfuffle over her being homeless, and seem to think its silly, as they (or their kids) don’t care. They seem more concerned over the fact that her sandal straps don’t stay on and break easily.
What do you think? Me, although I always thought it would be fun to have a little girl, it makes me kinda glad I have two boys. The world of Legos and action figures is easier to navigate.
December 21st, 2009 at 7:25 pm
Please tell me this is a cruel joke! How could they be this tastless? This is a joke, isn’t it?!?!
December 22nd, 2009 at 6:02 pm
What a shame . . . rather than use a social issue to sell product, an appeal for a donation to assist the homeless on their website might have resonance with the purchasers of the dolls - parents . . . .
December 22nd, 2009 at 8:56 pm
comon folks….. get a grip….. whether or not you want to believe it or not every little girl in the world is not in a happy place. And they should be reprsented to they are probably some of the strongest human beings because they are in a bad situation that is not of their doing but by thier parents doing. It doesnt make them bad kids………….just different and isnt that what american girls is about….. that what I ve always thought. Not everybodys the same. we all have a story, and this is hers. I like it. Bravo!!!!!!!!!
December 22nd, 2009 at 9:00 pm
granted they could have donated some of the profits to the homeless. But hey the economy is in a bad place too. NAIL
December 24th, 2009 at 10:53 am
Speaking as someone who volunteers at a women’s shelter, I’m torn. On the one hand, introducing upper middle class children (their target demographic) to the realilty of homlessness is important. However, most homeless children don’t look like the doll and certainly don’t have brand new designer clothes.
Better to donate $95 (and maybe some nice new dresses!) to children in need, rather than spend it on yet another toy.
Here’s my question to American Girl: Why don’t they donate dolls to children living in shelters, cars and even on the street?