Barbies have always offended feminists, Polly Pocket probably offended small people and Beast Wars most likely offended the intelligence of entomologists, but no doll could possibly offend as many people as the latest addition to the American Girl line.
For $95, mothers can purchase "Gwen" for their daughters. Gwen is American Girl's official "homeless doll."
Yes, despite the box the dolls come in and the upper-middle class homes they will end up in, Gwen is "homeless."
You wouldn't think it from looking at her, with her perfectly coiffed hair, pristine white sun dress and serene smile. However, a look into the "history book" that comes with the doll reveals a tragic history of deserting fathers, economic hardship and nights spent sleeping in the back of a car with her mom.
What's next? Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Cabbage Patch Kids dolls?
Not only does the doll's appearance downplay the seriousness of homelessness in America, none of the money American Girl will make from its sale will go to charity.
Besides teaching children that homeless people are afforded such luxuries as sun dresses, the doll teaches children that it's acceptable to spend an exorbitant amount of money on a toy while others like them are sleeping in the backs of cars.
Not exactly a wholesome message.
We understand that American Girl can't sell a doll that looks roughed up, but if Mattel wants to bank off of "homelessness," it should at least give some of the proceeds to charity.
At least.
Selling a doll for $95 is ridiculous. Selling a "homeless" doll for $95 and not using any of the proceeds to help actual homeless people is abhorrent.
