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Moms View Message Board: The Kitchen Table (Debating Board): American Girl doll company promotes lesbianism
I heard about this over the holidays. Does it change your view of the doll? They aren't that popular around here, and my dd hasn't asked for one. But, after hearing all of these reports, I don't know that I will want to purchase one in the future. Here is a link to just one of the articals.
THAT IS A LIE. AMERICAN GIRL DOES NOT - REPEAT NOT - PROMOTE LESBIANISM. That is an outright lie promoted by some religiously extremely conservative groups because they disapprove of American Girl's support of a respected at least 50-year old community service/outreach program, Girls, Inc., that has provided services to girls since at least 1945. The argument some relgious conservative groups have with Girls, Inc. (and hence, American Girl Doll Co.) is that among the many things it teaches, American Girl (a) teaches about sexuality, including birth control, (b) promotes tolerance of all kinds and types, and (c) is pro-choice. Here is link to an article that goes into details:
I've read the material provided on Girls Inc., which was provided in the article, and it really amazes me how the article twists the information that they actually link you to!?!
Nope, doesn't change my opinion either. They make dolls for girls, that still are girls and not teenage wannabees.
I'd give my DD 20 American Girls dolls before I would give her 1 Bratz doll!! Bratz dolls look trashy and trampy and I don't ever want my DD to think looking like that is OK. As soon as I saw them when they came out I told DD I thought they were very ugly (didn't want to use the words that I really thought) and thankfully she agreed and has never wanted one!!
Livvy, I can't stand Bratz dolls either. Not allowed at our house!
Hhhhmmm...how does one actually "promote" lesbianism anyway? It is what it is.
I've liked American Girl dolls since I was a kid, and now I'm even more appreciative of the company, and what they do for girls. They PROMOTE acceptance and positive self image. I think companies who promote closed-mindedness and hate are the enemy here. The groups that started this "accusation" do nothing but spread hate for anything that doesn't fit into their "ideals". Whether you "approve" of homosexuality or not, I think it's our job as parents to encourage our children practice tolerance, and to treat others with respect. Pretend this was a race issue, that a white supremacy group was "boycotting" a company for promoting racial tolerance. We'd be calling for their heads on a platter, how DARE they spread such hate and racism. Is this any different? Exclusion in any form is unacceptable, and I'm getting really tired of hearing these "family advocacy" groups shoving their hateful beliefs down Americans' throats.
Crystal, you said that well!
Well, from what I'm reading in this thread, Crystal, nobody here seems to be swallowing it.
That seems to be true, Ginny, my frustration is with the millions of Americans who DO swallow it, then spew it all over. *sigh* I just can't understand such pointless hate.
Hmmm...this is a tough one for me for many reasons. First of all, the website from which the original article was taken seems to be a very fundamental in-your-face webzine and that is always a turnoff for me even if I do happen to agree with the content (which I don't in this case). I went to the Girls, Inc. site and agree with about 95% of what I read (I didn't read the WHOLE site--just scanned). I think their overall mission is a great one---to empower girls to be who and what they want to be and not to conform to society's unrealistic or demeaning standards of women. I do not agree at all with their pro-choice stance, but they did stay that they preferred an abstinence first approach while also teaching responsible birth control. Not my ideal, but I can live with that. I do not agree with homosexuality, but I certainly don't think the Girls, Inc. site "Promoted" lesbianism (an obviously editorial slant by WorldNet Daily). The Girls, Inc. site merely stated:
Livvy-My thoughts exactly!!! IMO, Bratz dolls promote t-r-a-m-p with a capital T.
Pam, your PS struck me as interesting. Isn't "hate the sin, love the sinner" tolerance in itself? I'm not talking about approval, or even keeping your mouth shut when you disapprove, but simply understanding that no one can be forced to follow your ideals. For example, the bisexual person you had at your home for dinner, you may not APPROVE of their actions, but you are also not calling for them to be burned at the stake. I believe most Christians say it is not their place to judge, because that's God's job, right? So tolerating those who do not conform to your belief system is part of what you believe.
If anything I am more inclined to purchase American Girl products now...what a concept...finally we think to promote inner strength,character and tolerance to our children and people want to find fault!!! I am so excited to read this thread and cannot wait to bolster my nieces collection! My DD will definetely have one as she gets older.
Crystal, I would hope actually to do even more than merely tolerate someone whose lifestyle I don't agree with and love/accept him or her. However, to me the word tolerance means accepting things that I believe to be sinful as being "okay." Merriam-Webster defines tolerance as "sympathy or indulgence for beliefs or practices differing from or conflicting with one's own b : the act of allowing something." I don't indulge or allow those beliefs (i.e., when my brother had a live-in girlfriend and visited I told them they were welcome to stay at my house in separate bedrooms or get a hotel room), but I still loved my brother. NO!! Definitely not calling for them to be burned at the stake, shunned, etc., but if someone asked me I would tell them directly that I disagreed with their choice to get an abortion, practice homosexuality, whatever. Does that make a little more sense? The word tolerance just makes it seem as if everything in "okay" when I don't think it is. You're right---it is God's job to judge, but the Bible is pretty clear about what is sin (I'm right in the mix myself!) and that we are to hate sin as He does. Sorry---I've taken this thread on a very different tangent, but I did want to address your question. Does that make a little more sense? (Although you may not agree)
Pam, I don't think you've taken the thread in a different direction, I think it is a natural progression. And I agree, the word "tolerance" is a tricky one. I can't think of a better word at the moment, but there must be one. But I think the way the word "tolerance" is used in the context we are discussing means what you practice - acceptance of the differences without necessarily giving personal approval of a behavior you think is wrong. And, of course, tell the truth, lovingly, if you are asked.
Ginny, you said what I have been trying to come up with, in this text I think tolerance is accepting the person, and their right to believe in different things.
Huh? They must be cracking up.
To me tolerance and acceptance are 2 different things. If I tolerate someone, it pretty much means I just put up with them. I might not like them, but I just deal with it.
I can't believe you guys. Of COURSE they're promoting lesbianism. Spongebob did it, Tinky Winky did it...It's all the rage these days in children's toys and entertainment.
That helps, Marcia. Reminds me of the number of people I've "tolerated" because of circumstances but I certainly didn't accept or approve of them. Especially some politicians and public officials I've had to deal with at various times.
ROFL Unschoolmom!
Nothing promotes homosexuality but your genes. A person is born the way he or she is. Those people are just paranoid. Maybe they are trying to hide or deny who they really are. lol
Hhhmmmmmm Kiki.... are you trying to start a new debate?? Just teasing
lol Red
"To me tolerance and acceptance are 2 different things. If I tolerate someone, it pretty much means I just put up with them. I might not like them, but I just deal with it.
If you see a man and a woman kissing in a movie, are they "promoting" heterosexual behavior?
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. Everyone got along famously.