My little pumpkin makes her First Communion this spring, and what she's been wanting for just ages is an American Girl doll. It's not that easy to find dolls I approve of: dolls with wholesome faces, whose wardrobes are not salacious, and who are free of movie & other marketing "tie-ins." Pricey but nice are the American Girl dolls, and our promise was one would be forthcoming on the big day.
Two friends have forwarded me recommendations to join a boycott of American Girl because the manufacturers have gone and put some kind of "Live Strong"-style rubber bands around all the dolls' arms as a fundraiser for Girls, Inc. Apparently (see this WaTi account), Girls,Inc. funds Planned Parenthood, graphic sex education and lesbian rights. Sigh. I don't have time to check out the merits of every boycott I'm invited to. But even if these claims turn out to be baseless, they lose me at the armband and the "girl power" (or whatever) slogan. I'm not teaching my kids cheap slogans. Aren't we to be allowed any toys that are made for children --and not for their parents?
