It's Only a Doll

One of the most controversal toys on the market isn't a violent videogame or a potentially dangerous motorized scooter or car, but our most famous doll, Barbie. It's been said that 90% of American girls have owned a Barbie. So what makes this innocent doll that's been around since our grandmothers so controversal? Feminists and mothers around the country have questioned the morality of Barbie's qualities for years.

The first thing anyone will notice about this doll is how attractive she is. Barbie has long blonde hair, a just-been-to-the-beach tan, baby blue eyes, and a physique to die for. She's tall, long legged, big boobed, and has a waist the size of my pinky. Barbie is perfect. Or that is what young girls playing with Barbie are going to think. If their body doesn't look like their favorite doll, and idol, they are going to want it to. People argue this may put young girls at risk for low-self esteem and a negative body image.

The second thing about Barbie is her favorite hobbies. Although she enjoys sports like rollerblading and water skiing, loves to work out and bake, Barbie's undeniable favorite hobby is shopping. Since there's never been a volunteer Barbie or a church-going Barbie, people question Barbie's morals. Some feel Barbie is shallow and may put their daughters at risk for becoming shallow too.

The third thing about Barbie is Ken. Ken is the perfect boyfriend and any young girl is going to want a Ken. Like Barbie, he's also blonde, tan, and in shape. Ken loves to water ski too, and enjoys taking Barbie to the mall. Although their is one strange thing about Ken. He's been a lifeguard, but hasn't had many other jobs. Maybe that's because Barbie has so many! Barbie's a doctor, a vet, a nurse, a teacher, a babysitter, an astronaut, a Nascar driver, and has even served in the military.

Barbie lives in a big house, has a variety of cars, boats, and jet skis and even owns a stable. She has many careers, loves animals and shopping, has lots of friends, a great body, a perfect boyfriend, works out, plays every sport, and has a loving family. Some of these qualities don't seem so bad to me, but people argue this sets girls up for disappointment. If they can't be what Barbie is and have what Barbie has, they won't feel adequate. But just how much of an influence does Barbie have over girls? Afterall, it's only a doll!

Child Beauty Pageants, WHY?

After the JonBenet Ramsey murder, child beauty pageants have gotten a bad rap. Many feel the pageants exploit the children, making them easy targets for pedophiles and molesters by making them look sexy and adult-like. Another problem is that the parents put too much pressure on the child to win and can turn into child abuse. They can be ridiculously expensive too!

On the flip side, many people support child beauty pageants and feel they help their child grow in a positive way. The competetion may be healthy for children and help them to learn at an early age that they can't win them all, but they can at least try. And with so many other children in the pageants, the contestants are forced into social situations with kids their own age and that may help them to build social skills. Some parents dven claim that being in front of an audience helps their child to over come shyness and strengthens their confidence.

Another reason people put their children in these pageants is so they can gain experience to help them win bigger pageants in the future. Some are pre-conditioning for Miss Teen America, Miss America, or even Miss Universe. Then there are some that are just after the prizes, and after all, who wouldn't be? Besides the trophy and tiara, contestants can win big time scholarships, cash, and cars!

Still after all these great reasons, I still find it hard to look at these "living dolls" and keep a straight face. I can't get over the fact that they are three and four years old and their faces and hair look like they're 18 or 19! It creeps me out, and some sick people out there they may like it. When the time comes for me to have kids I know for sure, there will absolutely NOT be any child pageant partaking!