Article Contributed on: 12/12/2006 9:18:30 AM
I read recently that Barbie is on her way out, supposedly being replaced by Bratz dolls. Say it ain't so! Who in their right mind would choose perfect, beautiful, gorgeous Barbie over those squatty, ho-looking dolls? I mean, really.
Apparently, since Bratz began appearing on toy shelves in 2001, they've sold about $2 billion worth worldwide. Even though that is only about half of what Barbie sells, Bratz sales continue to grow while Barbie's are decreasing. Maybe that is because a few years ago Barbie's breast size deflated. Perhaps that was the wrong decision? My vote is yes, it was.
One of the reasons for the rise of Bratz and the fall of Barbie, experts say, is that girls can relate better to Bratz, that they are hipper and more fashionable. Who in the world would think that? Well, on second thought, I can see very well how today's generation would think that. And that is quite telling of today's generation.
Personally, I adore Barbie. Always have. And I don't mind Ken, either. Barbie has fashion sense, has perfect proportions, and is what many women dream of looking like - some secretly and some not-so-secretly. In fact, I have a friend,
Lori, who has the nickname Barbie and even has Barbie checks! I collect Barbie, though not on a serious level, and I would never, ever give her up.
Bratz, on the other hand? I have never acquired a taste for them. The name alone is a gigantic turn-off for a mother of three and substitute teacher. Who wants their young daughter to have a toy named Bratz? The name alone makes me sick to my stomach. And the dolls are extremely unattractive, wearing too much make-up and questionable clothing.
Barbie has been around for 47 years and you can get just about any type imaginable, from ballet Barbie to fashion fever Barbie to veterinarian Barbie. For the collector, like myself, there are higher-end choices that never make their way out of a box, but they look sweet sitting on a shelf. Barbie always has been in style and always will be.
Just ask the expert - me!