E-mail updates
Follow on Twitter
Subscribe to RSS
Mattel
Are the new Barbie's tattoos a sign of the times? Lots of moms say it is.
Barbie's been stirring it up again, but this time the controversy has nothing to do with her blonde ambition or bizarre body proportions.
Nope, this Barbie conjures more P!nk (the singer) than Paris (Hilton), with pink hair, leopard leggings, plenty of tattoos and a dog named "Bastardo". Created in collaboration with the Japanese-inspired Italian designer tokidoki, it's similar to Barbies designed by Kate Spade and Bob Mackie as part of Mattel's collectors edition.
On its website, Mattel says the doll is "for the adult collector" and that it's sold out. But tokidoki Barbie's inked up skin still has people talking.
Some, like this commentor on a Christian Science Monitor story, are questioning whether the doll's tatts are appropriate for young kids.
Barbies are for children not adults [and] they should not be dressed like they are teenagers or adults. Tattoos are tacky and should not be exposed to kids.
Over on a Huffington Post story, a comment from Loretta Schrader says:
Grrrrreeeeeeeat now kids in grade school and younger will be bugging their parents for tattoos and their parents will oblige .
Still, numerous others think the new Barbie is simply a sign of the times, and tattoo-sporting Moms are applauding that it's about time there's a Barbie that looks like them.
Nicolepierre, a poster on Cafemom.com's The Stir, writes:
As a tattooed mom who got pierced and dyed her hair blue to celebrate the birth of my twins (albeit 14 years ago) I so totally want this doll!"
And as poster, Cait, commented on Babble.com:
This Barbie is great, it shows not to judge and that regardless of what someone chooses to do with their skin, they are beautiful!! I am so tired of people without tattoos thinking they are better then someone who does have them. Get over yourself! All of my tattoos have a very deep and personal meaning and I will never regret them.
Adds commentor Sabrinambowen on Cafe.com:
Live Poll
What do you think about tokidoki Barbie's tattoos?
Sorry, but seeing how there are LOTS of children out there whose parents have tattoos, I'm not sure why Barbie (who is supposed to be an adult) having them is an issue... As a tattoed parent, I think it's awesome!
Parents, what's your take on tokidoki Barbie? And if you're a mom or dad with tattoos, how do you talk to your kids about tattoos in general?
Kavita Varma-White is a writer, editor and mom of two tweens. In between cheering at numerous soccer and baseball games, she's a contributing editor for TODAY Moms and MSNBC.com.
"Like" TODAY Moms on Facebook, and follow us @TodayMoms
Leave a Comment:
I want one! I think she's pretty and I don't see where there is an issue. If you don't want your daughter to have one, don't buy it. Easy enough.
I agree with you there. I've been collecting Barbies for two decades now and I've never found a treat like this doll. I don't see what people's problem with it is.
I agree... This is one terrific Barbie. She is also a collectors' edition priced at $50, not something I would treat a young daughter (or niece!) to anyway.
It's clearly meant to be a "collector doll" so I doubt many little girls will be playing with them... but in any case, there are plenty of kids out there whose parents have tattoos (mine included) so what's the big deal? There is nothing wrong with the toys sold in America representing the amazing diversity of the people in this country. And by the way, tattooing any person under 18 is illegal, so to those people who are speculating that this doll will lead to some kind of onslaught of elementary-aged kids running to get tattoos, do your research before you sound like a moron.
That's for the tat shops. My son did his own when he was 15. :( His wife can do them, so...
well no offense but you let your 15 yr old so it so....
When I was in high school kids did their own little tats in the cafeteria. All they needed was a needle and some ink. Now, they weren't GOOD tattoos...
I believe when someone creates a problem with differences in people, it becomes more of an issue than the actual difference. As long as society keeps pointing out differences between people and make them taboo and shameful, our children will notice and be prejudice to those differences. If you don't care for this particular doll, then don't buy it. One person's opinion should not limit another person's ability to share their own beliefs with their own children.
I myself would gladly but the doll for my daughter and yes, I am a tattooed mother.
One of the most intelligent comments I have read in a long time. Well said Jennifer!
If Barbies like this were designed for kids they would be priced for kids and they are not. They are very expensive. They are collectors series and they are beautiful and creative. Once again this is much to do about nothing. If you don't collect dolls this should not interest you.
IT'S JUST A DOLL! It's meant to be fun, can't people just let it be what it is?!
Oh boy, whats next, stripper barbie, goth barbie, or maybe hooker barbie. What the heck!
No, it's not ok and we don't have to let it go.
It's a childs toy that has been "termed and adult collectible" just becuase some indignent designer wants to impart something outrageous towards children. I guarantee they chuckled about how the real 99% would get aggravated with this.
It's just another liberal nut job through there views in the face of those that live within the traditional guidlines of what an American family is supposed to be.
Fine, live outside the norms, be completely self sufficient, contribute to the care of those that are truly disabled and need our help, pay your fair share of the way and stop throwing your alternative lifestyle out for all to gasp at.
I don't really care what you do to yourself behind closed doors.
You just come across as in need of serious psychotherapy.
"Guidelines?" Who makes them? Who exactly has control over what something is "supposed" to be? With that logic you stem out creativity and self-expression. This "doll" IS a collectors item, and is the "interpretation" of the designer. Guess what kids do with the "guideline" Barbie..... They dress them up as they want, even provactively and some draw tattoos.
And you sir seem like a conservative nutjob.
i'll admit it, as a kid i did draw really heavy makeup and tattoos on some of my Barbie dolls (usually the ones I didnt like as much), and I had a LOT of Barbies when i was little. Do I sit here and fret because I dont have Barbie-like body proportions? No. Did I ever have an eating disorder because I wanted to look like Barbie? Again, no. Guess what? They're just toys. What's more important, to all the psycho parents out there who think the world should bend to shield your children, is the messages they get from you. If you've gotten to the point where you cant even have a simple conversation with your kid about right and wrong and how to not be influenced by the wrong people, then maybe you shouldn't be a parent. Because that's what a parent's supposed to do. You're supposed to teach your kids about your values, and what's right and what's wrong. And back to the issue with this Barbie: Is someone holding a gun to your head, saying buy this or I'll shoot you? Probably not. No one is forcing you to buy this for yourself or your child. If you think its tasteless or inappropriate, don't buy it, and if your kid asks for it, explain your stance on tattoos to them, instead of trying to force a company to stop making it just because YOU have a problem with it.
GT-0327
Don't insult conservatives.
I'm conservative. I've got a tattoo (heart, back of my neck), and I wouldn't mind buying this doll for my children (both boys), but it is a little cost-prohibitive.
Ohio Lacoste Man -
Calm down. "You just come across as in need of serious psychotherapy."
Barbie is not a good role model anyway - why should she not have tattoos? (Of course, I am implying that people with tattoos are not good role models, which I don't believe.)
Either way, sir, calm down. This is just a doll. I repeat, just a doll. If you don't want your children exposed to it, don't purchase it. Enough said, and capitalism at its best.
What is the traditional All American Family? That's hilarious!! I am a mother that has a few tattoo's, hold a successful job and even knit my friends beautiful scarves. I do have friends that are covered in them and they hold respectable jobs and are fantastic parents. What I am reading is that somehow tattoo's make a person bad?? Why not read a book on how to make sure you're child won't be gay while you are at it? Not, I am not gay but, I do have a lot of gay friends. I am raising my daughter to know life and it's diversities. That if she finds something to not be for her taste that in absolutely no way does she have the right to judge them. As well, the people that tend to pretend to have the perfect All American Lives have the most F'D up lives possible!!! As well, to my knowledge Stepford Wives do not exist! P.S. I am a healthy, fit woman and I am not Anorexic either!!!
I'm guessing you didn't read it.
We're talking about tattoos on plastic dolls, collected by adults. Not teaching kids S&M Fetishes in school.
I'm curious how S&M fetishes got brought up into the conversation? I'm just sick and tired of all the Moron's on this planet. Get over yourself people!!!
I used it to make a ludicrous comparison. Basically in short, this guy is going bat poop over something that doesn't concern him or even affect him in any capacity and he's sounding like a white knight who feels that the children are forever corrupted over something that is common in todays age.
Love this Barbie! Cute! Big deal, she has tattoos...who doesn't now a days?
I just asked my daughter if I had any tattoos and she said "yes... you have one on your shoulder and you have that other one", as she pointed at my ankle. Then I asked her if she is going to get a tattoo... she looked at me funny and said, "right now?" I said, "no, when you are older" then she said "nope- I dont really think I want one..." She is 6. Glad to see she has her own opinion... :)
I'm way more offended by her dog being called "Bastardo" than her having tattoos and pink hair.... lol
You stole the words right out of my... fingers!
I'm kind of picturing the people who are raging so hard against this as people who do nothing more but sit on moralistic high horses blatting about their own personal preferences as if they're law. It's just a doll. Don't want a kid to have it? Don't buy it for your kid. If you lack the ability to say no to a child, then maybe you shouldn't be having kids.
THANK YOU! Finally, someone who makes some sense.
I have tats. No opinion really. Mostly just thought it was interesting that the makers of Barbie felt it necessary to give her tattoos to make her more relatable. They did not however choose to change her body shape for the same purpose. Just interesting approach is all.
mom of 6 btw. 3 girls =)
Oh please, ohio lacoste man. Who's really in need psychotherapy here?
What are the guidelines for a traditional American family, and who are the real 99%?
@happyme, I have to agree with your post. I read yours, and then went back and read ohio's post. It sounds to me like he is a very bitter person and most likely, yells at the neighborhood kids for playing outside and having fun during the summer. He probably just needs a big skull tattoo, maybe on his forehead... hahaha... People need to realize that it is a "Collectors" item meant for people who can afford and or appreciate it.
First, as a very limited collector's edition doll, sold only on a website for adult collectors I doubt that many children will even be aware of this barbie.
Second, as a parent with tattoos (prominent, visible ones) who raised two children to adulthood who now have children of their own, and have never gotten tattoos, I can tell you that this toy is not going to have a noticible impact on society as we know it.
Both my children said they wanted tattoos at some point when they were young and I told them to discuss it with me after they turned 16 and if they felt very strongly about I might consider it. I also told them it was quite painful, like getting poked with a pin a thousand times (which is true). Somehow the subject never came up after they turned 16.
Third, there have been highly popular children's toys with body markings around at least since the '70s. I believe I recall a G.I. Joe that was tattooed. Rainbow Brite had a star on her cheek, My Little Ponies and Care Bears had body art. I don't think many children got matching tattoos to emulate their toys. Why is this even being discussed?
No class, just my opinion.
Well netflix got greedy and lost. So some designer at barbie got greedy, except this time everybodies got to have one. Capitalism in action. So why is charging 60% more for movies wrong and charging an excessive amount of money for a doll right? Dont hear anyone complaining about the price. And i am sure it was waay more than netflix.
Thomas, those two things you mention are completely different, day and night, apples and oranges, republicans and democrats. Some people collect baseball cards but if the price of coffee goes up 60% why aren't they complaining about that?...... that makes about as much sense as what you just ranted on about.
Apples and oranges.
Netflix raised prices for it's basic commodity. And split it in half since you could get both streaming and DVDs before. In the case of Barbie they are not charging any extra for the basic doll but are charging more for the designer's version which is seen as a collectible. The average Barbie consumer isn't going to be buying this doll.
However if Mattel began charging 60% more for the basic doll then you would hear people complaining.
woops writing my post at the same time as bryan.
Oh my goodness! It's just a doll!!! I'm more upset about the unrealistic body proportions making my daughters strive to be something they can't than tattoos...In some cultures, tattoos are a rite of passage, something to be respected. If a doll makes somebody do something wrong, then Chucky was probably a really bad influence!!!
I don't think tattoos are tacky-- my husband and I both have them. BUT, ours are small, tasteful and easily hidden by clothing. I wouldn't want my daughter getting her chest and neck inked.
With that being said, I think the Barbie is fine-- for others. I won't be buying it for my daughter. I might by it for myself though. :)
As a parent with tattoos - how do I talk to my kids about tattoos? I paid for tattoos for both of them as birthday presents - AFTER they were 18! They are both in their upper-20's now. I told them what you want to do with your skin as an adult is YOUR decision. Just make certain you know what you want and it has meaning for you. Then it will remain relevant throughout your life. Also, make sure you choose a talented, reputable artist. I now have a beautiful, intelligent 6 year old granddaughter who thinks Mommy and Grandma's tattoos are beautiful. If she wants one when she turns 18, I'll pay for hers too!
i just think all of this is realy funny. how many of these people give there kids fake tattoos lol. its just a doll. its not meant for any thing else. if u dont want it dont get. me and my husband both have tattoos.i think its great i will be buying two of them for my daughters. its not the dolls that teach ower kids. its the parents. so if u teach ur kids right then what r u complaining about. grow up people.