Parents upset about tattoo Barbie; Mattel says not for kids!
Barbie has a new look and it involves tattoos around her chest and shoulders.
The Huffington Post reports: (Click the link to see a video of the doll.)
“The tokidoki Barbie, designed by the “Los Angeles-based fashion brand”, boasts a pink bob, tattooed skin, and cross bones stitched on an off-the-shoulder sweater.”
“The tattoos are permanently inked on the doll, unlike the 2009 controversial “Totally Stylin’ Tattoos” Barbie that came with stickers for children to place on the toy.”
So parents are upset about Barbie sporting tattoos but Mattel says the doll is marketed to adults.
“Barbie has sported an endless array of styles. Many of Barbie’s most pop-culture couture outfits have been designed for the adult doll collector. The Tokidoki Barbie is a perfect example of a limited-edition doll sold through select retail locations,” the company said in a statement.”
So what do you think: Is Barbie setting a bad example for little girls or is this doll really meant for the mommies? Would you buy your little girl a tattoo Barbie?
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92 comments Add your comment
Mountain Mom
October 20th, 2011
12:44 pm
If you don’t want your kids to have one…….don’t buy it for them. Seems pretty simple. Barbie probably got the tatoos at the shop next to the plastic surgen where she got the boobs and the lipo.
malleesmom
October 20th, 2011
12:50 pm
So is the doll sold at toy retailers or adult/novelty stores like Spencers? If Matel is placing the product in toy stores or traditional big box retail, then I call b.s. :)
JJ
October 20th, 2011
12:56 pm
Toys and Dolls DO NOT set bad examples for children….
Sylvania
October 20th, 2011
1:02 pm
And tattoos are bad why, exactly? Pray tell, how is tattooed Barbie “setting a bad example for little girls?” Parents should be the ones setting good examples for their kids, not some stupid doll. Believe it or not, your kids are going the meet all kinds of people in life. Even those with tattoos. (The horror!)
Maybe these upset parents should be reexamining their own prejudices instead of passing them on to their children.
Penguinmom
October 20th, 2011
1:21 pm
I talk to my kids about tattoos including the fact that they are permanent. So if you decide to get one it should be something you can imagine having when you are my age or grandma’s age. All of them so far have decided that they prefer temporary tattoos. (the ones from Dover Publishing come in a wide variety of non-kiddie designs, are higher quality and long-lasting)
I have friends with tattoos but the truth is, right or wrong, having visible tattoos will cause you to be judged by others (employers, strangers, potential in-laws) for the rest of your life. In a similar way to the fact that, according to surveys, smokers are judged as being less intelligent (even by fellow smokers); people with a lot of tattoos are judged to be potentially rebellious, scary or just a bit strange. If you, as an adult, are willing to deal with the potential repercussions of having a tattoo, then I say Go for it.
If they are marketing this in adult specialty stores, then I don’t really have a big issue with it. If it shows up at Toys R Us then it’s probably not the best idea.
JJ
October 20th, 2011
1:36 pm
I see nothing wrong with tatoos. I have always wanted one, but never had the courage to get one. I’d like to get one for my father (who passed away 18 years ago) and one for my daughter….But I just don’t like pain, so that stops me from having it done.
My daughter has two tats…..one on her wrist (says “Faith) and one on the inside of her middle finger (”Love”). Tats are all the rage now, you can’t swing a dead cat without hitting someone with at least three tatoos. We were recently at PCB and we noticed that our family were the only ones at the pool WITHOUT tatoos…..LOL…
Sylvania
October 20th, 2011
1:45 pm
BTW, one has to be 18 years old in GA to get a tattoo.
@Penguinmom – kids and adults spend their whole lives being “judged by others”, for whatever reasons. Kids who are raised with a healthy dose of self-esteem typically have no problems in life interfacing with these “judgers”.
DB
October 20th, 2011
1:47 pm
ROFL! I think Barbie has come a long way from my Barbie Dream House, when my mother suggested that Ken shouldn’t be in Barbie’s bedroom! . . . :-)
JJ
October 20th, 2011
1:54 pm
LOL DB…..I heard today that Barbie was Cougar. Ken is a little younger than she is….
Becky
October 20th, 2011
1:59 pm
This doll is nothing that kids don’t see everyday..Girls with tat’s and pink, purple, orange hair.? No, I don’t think that she is setting a bad example for kids..
@JJ, I’m just about the only one in my family that doesn’t have a tat..I have seen plenty that I like, they just aren’t for me..I can’t get past the forever part..
Hoping that my two have seen enough of their family that have them, to decide when they get older, to not get them..If I ever decide to get one, I have a nephew that owns a shop, so it would be easy to get one..
@Penguinmom..I tell my neices and nephews all the time that I think them being covered in tat’s is nasty..They just laugh at me..As I said, I just don’t like them that much..I think one or two is enough, not 50-100..And, I sure am not a big fan of gettting names tattooed on you..I have a 19 yr. old neice that has her ex husband’s name on her..Yep, married at 18 (in Feb, divorced in Nov. still 18)…
Hey, JJ...
October 20th, 2011
2:00 pm
…they don’t call PCB the “Redneck Riviera” without good cause…
RJ
October 20th, 2011
2:10 pm
The doll isn’t the real issue here, but I understand why parents may be upset. Frankly, if you don’t want your daughter to have one, don’t buy it. A couple of years ago my daughter came to me saying that she’d just read in the Bible that tatoos were not acceptable. For that reason, she said she doesn’t want one.
Ann
October 20th, 2011
2:19 pm
@Sylvania – Regarding your comment “Kids who are raised with a healthy dose of self-esteem typically have no problems in life interfacing with these “judgers”.” It is not simply about having enough self-esteem to interface with those who judge, it is about limiting your employment opportunities, particularly in this economy. While it may change in the future, there are still plenty of employers that do not want visible tattoos with their employees who have to interact with customers of all ages and all walks of life. I recently heard a business owner complain about this.
Melissa Capo
October 20th, 2011
2:30 pm
I believe that Barbie represents an image that is potentially destructive to little girls and unattainable without the use of plastic surgery. But do I think Barbie sets a bad example? No. Not by herself. Though I do believe that, coupled with media that tells little girls they have to posses D cup breasts with size zero waists and mothers who teach their daughters that if they are not pretty people will like them less, Barbie can be very dangerous. I think that parents should take the time to talk with their daughters about how it’s ok and possible even better to NOT look like Barbie. They should also talk to their daughters about the importance of waiting for tattoos until they’ve reached an age at which they can be sure of what they want to permanently mark their bodies with. I think putting tattoos on Barbie is much less destructive than giving her a body you can only attain through plastic surgery or eating disorders and self abuse. http://www.tattoosbymelissa.com/
homeschooler
October 20th, 2011
2:31 pm
As far as the barbie goes. So what. I don’t know any girls who play with Barbie anymore, anyway. As others have said, just don’t buy it. I, however do not think it was a good business decision for Mattel.
My kids know that I hate tatoos. Especially on girls. I have come around a bit since I have experienced several decent, educated hardworking women in their 20’s and 30’s who have discrete tatoos but, IMO if you can see the tatoo in normal work clothes you should expect a level of judging. I would be very disappointed if my daughter came home with at “tramp stamp” across her lower back or if my son chose to cover himself head to toe in tats. A little lady bug on the hip or a shoulder tatoo on a guy, I don’t get bent out of shape about.
Techmom
October 20th, 2011
2:33 pm
I think the Barbie is actually kind of cute and don’t see an issue with it since it ISN’T being marketed to kids (unlke those ugly BRATZ dolls) Here’s the full-size pic: http://www.barbiecollector.com/shop/doll/tokidoki-barbie-doll-t7939
BUT that being said, tattoos aren’t for everyone. I think they suit some people fine and I think some people are morons for what they get (or where they get it). If you ever want to have a full-time corporate job, don’t get a visible tattoo that cannot easily be covered.
My son is 16 and has already started asking to get one. Bahahaha! Neither my husband or I have any tattoos so we both laughed. I told him that if he could wait until he was 25 that I would pay for it :) Hopefully by then he’ll change his mind or make a wise-decision about what/where.
Wayne
October 20th, 2011
3:30 pm
I saw someone the other day (female) with a tattoo above her right breast – huge letters that said ‘Jeff’. Now, as most folks, I’m all for the little tattoo (flower, turtle, whatever) but come on, that’s a bit much. Yeah, I might be a stick in the mud about it. Especially when my mother comes up from FLA and decides to show me hers. My Mom!
I just shook my head.
Figment
October 20th, 2011
4:03 pm
I have no problem with tattoos, I have some myself. All of mine are in places that I can cover fairly easily for work. I would love to have a tat sleeve, but I like to be able to cover mine. So while I enjoy looking at other people’s tattoos and choose to be more conservative with mine and keep them in places easy to cover with regular clothing. I don’t see how this Barbie is harmful, just talk with your children about it if you’re concerned. Or don’t buy it for them in the first place.
mike d
October 20th, 2011
4:06 pm
Next step – turning tricks to buy smack.
M
October 20th, 2011
4:06 pm
So Barbie has tramp stamps now?
SWEEEEEEET!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Razz
October 20th, 2011
4:15 pm
really people, do you think your kids don’t see tattoos everyday?! On the street, TV, etc. If you don’t like it, don’t buy it.
Bi-Curious Chris
October 20th, 2011
4:17 pm
Does Tattoo Barbie have the obligatory “Tramp Stamp” for Nipple-Pierce Ken to use for target practice?
Alex
October 20th, 2011
4:21 pm
Yes! Thank you Mountain Mom. I echo that sentiment entirely. It’s ok for Barbie to be anorexic with a boob job, but tattoos are where we draw the line??? If you don’t like it, don’t buy it, and stop imposing your morals on everyone else. Gee whiz!
TruthBe
October 20th, 2011
4:21 pm
YES! and YES! This trashly tattoo craze is stupid and dangerous for people’s health and well-being. What about GOD’s Law that you shouldn’t “Mark you Body”? Because you’re body is a living vessel to the LORD. People look like poster cheap boards with all these tattoos.
Joe
October 20th, 2011
4:24 pm
I see Barbie has jumped on the bandwagon like all the other idiots and got a tattoo. A tattoo on a woman is a desperate call for attention is all it is.
WendelllovesJanet
October 20th, 2011
4:33 pm
Is this a bad example to kids. I think we take so much focus off of parents and their parenting skills….People its a toy..spend time and talk with your kids rather than waste so much energy on a plastic doll and blogging..
clover
October 20th, 2011
4:39 pm
don’t you think that kids parents, teachers, coaches, athletes and celebrities all ready set bad enough examples for children allready?
Mishap
October 20th, 2011
4:42 pm
This is a $50 limited edition Barbie that’s already selling out. Not exactly a mainstream toy you pick up at Walmart. I bought 2 for my g/f b/c she’s a huge Tokidoki collector and Barbies as well. I highly doubt they’ll ever come out of the box. If they do a triple collaboration w/ Hello Kitty I think her head might explode. Not a cheap hobby but she loves the stuff. It’s value is wasted on me any parent that buys this for their kid.
tracey
October 20th, 2011
4:44 pm
we’re supposed to be examples for our kids, not some stupid piece of plastic. i have 2 tattoos, and i have them in places where i can cover them for work. i’m not trashy, nor uneducated. i also was 27, married and had my own house when i got my first one. i’ve told both of my kids that i’m fine with them getting tattoos, as long as they are adults, and i am not supporting them.
RGB
October 20th, 2011
4:45 pm
What’s next? Heroin Chic Barbie?
mike
October 20th, 2011
4:55 pm
tattoos are for white trash
Luvsbridge
October 20th, 2011
4:58 pm
LUV your comment Mountain Mom….LOL!!!
JATL
October 20th, 2011
5:00 pm
It’s a freaking doll, people! I LOVED mine and it caused me no issues even though I look nothing like a Barbie. However, I do have some tattoos… I think parents who get upset over things like this are busybodies who need to get a life since obviously they still have way too much time on their hands, even with kids. If your daughter grows up having issues because of Barbie, then perhaps you fell short somewhere -not Mattel.
Becky
October 20th, 2011
5:01 pm
@Wayne..My nephew’s wife has a tat like that on her breast with her daughter’s name..BIG LETTERS..And of course, she always wears low cut tops, so you see it all the time..
My Mom never had tats, but my sister went to Missouri once to visit her two sons and came home with a big flaming heart tat on the top part of her arm..With a name in it..So, I’m like, who is Z? She says, I was told that he is my grandson, but R isn’t positive..HUH? This thing is about 3 inches high and about 4 inches wide..It is a very pretty tat, but then she tells me that is was only suppose to be the size of a quarter, but her son decided that he wanted it bigger..
Like I said before, I don’t think people are bad (or whatever) for getting tats, it’s just that they aren’t for me..
KevO
October 20th, 2011
5:03 pm
that’s what crayons are for… don’t take all the fun out of it for the children.
LizzieP
October 20th, 2011
5:20 pm
so let me get this straight…tatoos are bad but having a doll that encourages an realistic body image are just fine?
urmissingthepoint
October 20th, 2011
5:28 pm
Tattoos are for people who have problems with their self-image and therefore crave attention. It’s the same as people who buy 25″ rims for their old beater or get gold teeth. “Look at me! Look at my goofy $hit because there’s no reason to notice me otherwise!” P A T H E T I C ! ! ! ! !
Renee
October 20th, 2011
5:28 pm
Finally, a Barbie I want to buy ! But no, Barbie doesn’t set examples, duh, ITS A DOLL .
sophyb
October 20th, 2011
5:52 pm
Do girls still play with Barbies?? My daughter has never asked for one. Personally, I just want the little cactus dog. Cute!
Vince Doodley
October 20th, 2011
5:53 pm
Whats the big deal? The ho has been shaving her hoo-hoo since the 50’s. Whats a little bit of tramp stamp?
chris
October 20th, 2011
6:26 pm
tramp stamp? I thought they were called ho stamps?
Spanky
October 20th, 2011
6:47 pm
Finally!….Now, only 2 more decades to go before they make Lesbo-Barbie and her life-mate!
L. Hill
October 20th, 2011
6:51 pm
Personally, I don’t care to see tattoos on anyone, real or imagined. To me, tattoos are like graffiti on the body … not very attractive and almost impossible to get rid of.
robin
October 20th, 2011
6:55 pm
i think it is just wrong to have a tatoo on the(body) its just…not for little girls. i dont even give my daughters a dall with diffrent colored hair
Grandma
October 20th, 2011
6:57 pm
I don’t think it’s necessary for a little girl to have a doll with tattoos…your body is a temple, and shouldn’t be marred. There are so many other things (good things) that we can teach a child. I wouldn’t let my child or my granddaughter have such a doll. I mean, has Mattel run out of things for Barbie to do? There are only thousands of different Barbie Dolls, and they are taking advantage of their popularity (I remember getting the very first Barbie when I was a kid). She is supposed to be a role model, and marking up your body is NOT something I want my kids/granddaughter to emulate. It’s just another way to make $$$, because every little girl (and some little boys) will be throwing tantrums to get Mom/Dad to buy it. Come on…let’s find something better to urge little girls to do, like being an entrepreneur, college student, good mother, etc. I don’t want my young family members playing Hell’s Angels or Trailer Trash with tattoo Barbie.
rachel
October 20th, 2011
6:59 pm
yes. i can have a barbie/rocking out barbie that i love…also i dont care about the tatoos. i see too many on tv
rachel
October 20th, 2011
7:09 pm
again….i love them. i mean really…your kids have seen tatoons before.what ever. also your kids watch tv all the time. the anly thing i have to say is dont give it to your kid if he/she is under the age of 6.wrong. but if your kid is over the age of 6 perfect.
Randall
October 20th, 2011
7:26 pm
Read a pretty interesing blog today from an up and coming designers in the Atl area. Check it out…www.yourhollywoodhome.blogspot.com
nora
October 20th, 2011
7:26 pm
I love having a ringside seat when people get all hyped up about stuff like this! Uh, let’s see how this works now…If You Don’t Like It, Then Don’t Buy It. DId I miss something? Is that too complicated for some folks to comprehend? (If its that simple, then why the hue and cry, I ask?)
As for tattooes, I recently went on a job interview where I was interviewed by a young woman covered with large, visible tattooes. I have one small tattoo on my ankle discreetly invisible when wearing slacks during a job interview. I didn’t get the job. Maybe I should have flashed my tat to win brownie points!
I think a lot of people just need to lighten up. Children learn from the adults they associate with on a daily basis in their lives. Live the life you want your child to live – every day in every way. Then stop sweating idiotic things like Tattoo Barbie.
Cliff
October 20th, 2011
7:29 pm
I am very judgmental about tattoos. Sorry. If I see you with one at the pool, I think less of you. I hate them, and they’ve become way too prevalent. Tattoo Barbie only contributes to that. But Mattell can do whatever they want, just like people can do whatever they want. I tell my kids not to get one, that they will regret it. Just like my Mom did, but its their decision, just like it was my decision and my Mom said that. I just wish there weren’t so many star bellied sneeches to encourage them to get one. Please, stop getting tattoos. They are completely unattractive. I can’t tell you how many times I see a girl at the beach or pool who looks great, and then I see the tattoo, and it ruins it. Almost everyone under the age of 32 has a tattoo. Be different. Be unique. Don’t get a tattoo. that will set you apart from the crowd.