(Crain’s) — The nation’s first daughters, Sasha and Malia Obama, have joined the ranks of Barbie, Rainbow Brite and Strawberry Shortcake. Ty Inc., maker of Beanie Babies, released “Sweet Sasha” and “Marvelous Malia” dolls earlier this month as part of its TyGirlz Collection. Westmont-based Ty launched the line in 2007.
In our culture of celebrity, how can new First Lady Michelle Obama think her daughters will escape our American fascination? Yes, it’s celebrity by association but celebrity nonetheless.
Sasha and Malia Obama are cute enough for the genius who brought us Beanie Babies to name a couple of TyGirlz, “Marvelous Malia” and “Sweet Sasha.” According to Crain’s Chicago Businesss, at first a spokeswoman “confirmed that the dolls were created to resemble President Barack Obama’s daughters.” The next day that changed to, “They were not designed to look like any living person.” Really? It’s not hard to argue who might have inspired the name choice. I’ll grant lawyer-mom Michelle that.
However, despite potential legal issues this is a bit extreme. Mom, pick your battles. There will likely be bigger issues with protecting the girls than this--more egregious examples that do warrant attention. The dolls are not offensive and if they inspire sales for a Chicagoland company, isn’t that helping the local economy?
Most of the folks at the Huffington Post disagree with me. I read one page of comments and found one sole TyGirlz defender who said her daughters liked the dolls. Of course, everyone else seemed to jump all over her. Maybe y'all should go after Dover Publications and others making money on the Obamas. I prefer to concentrate on real matters of national importance. Let us not lose the focus that lead to Obama's election as President by silly and distracting diversions like this.
9 comments:
I'm constantly amazed at how quickly they pull things together like that
Holy crap, now I know how a good southern girl went wrong, she reads HO-PO. Personally I have no opinion the dolls, that must shock you, the Old Sarge With no opinion. I am happy they were not around to make an Amy Carter doll.
I suspect I would have been unhappy with a likeness of Amy..
I think the dolls are cute, but perhaps the money made from them could go to a charity...one which the Obamas might have a hand in picking.
I don't think they much look like the two girls, anyway. Fame presents us with things like dolls made in the famous person's image...it's up to the rest of us to focus on what's really important.
Sorry Sheila, when he snubs medal of honor winners I will not be looking for anything good that he did. You are correct, their was 5 or 6 MOH winners at the CIC ball, 47 at the Heros ball, no he is not forgiven.
Sarge, I think there may have been an Amy Carter doll by someone. I know there was a Clinton family paper dolls book with the couple at least in their skivies. A bit much.
Re: the Huffington Post--I read lots of stuff periodically. I saw the story about the Obama girls somewhere else and went to HP to see some comments. My radar is broad.
Re: the Huffington Post--I read lots of stuff periodically. I saw the story about the Obama girls somewhere else and went to HP to see some comments. My radar is broad.
Hooray for the Huffington Post!
Jay,
Good to hear from you. Did you go to the inauguration?
Post a Comment