Totally Tattoo Barbie: A Controversial Doll

Barbie, the iconic doll that has been around for over half a century, has gone through many transformations over the years. One of the most controversial versions of Barbie is the Totally Tattoo Barbie, which was released in 2009.

What is Totally Tattoo Barbie?

Totally Tattoo Barbie is a doll that comes with a set of temporary tattoos that can be applied to her body. The tattoos include flowers, butterflies, and a Chinese symbol that translates to “love.” The doll also comes with a tattoo gun and a set of stencils so that kids can create their own designs.

The Controversy

Many parents and child advocacy groups were outraged by the release of Totally Tattoo Barbie. They argued that the doll was promoting the idea of getting tattoos at a young age, which they believed was inappropriate. Some also criticized the fact that the tattoos were permanent-looking and could not be easily removed.

One parent commented, “I don’t want my daughter thinking it’s cool to have tattoos. It’s not a good message to send to young girls.”

Defending the Doll

However, Mattel, the company that produces Barbie, defended the doll, stating that it was meant to be a fun and creative toy for kids to play with. They also noted that the tattoos were temporary and would eventually wear off.

Some parents also defended the doll, arguing that it was up to them to decide whether or not their child should have tattoos and that the doll was harmless fun.

The Backlash

Despite the controversy, Totally Tattoo Barbie was still released and sold in stores. However, the backlash was significant, and the doll was eventually pulled from the market. Mattel released a statement saying that they had listened to the concerns of parents and had decided to discontinue the product.

The Legacy of Totally Tattoo Barbie

The controversy surrounding Totally Tattoo Barbie highlighted the ongoing debate about the role of toys in shaping children’s values and beliefs. Some argue that toys like Totally Tattoo Barbie can have a negative influence on children, while others believe that kids should be allowed to play with whatever toys they want.

One commentator noted, “It’s important to remember that toys are just toys. It’s up to parents to teach their children about the world and what’s appropriate.”

Conclusion

Totally Tattoo Barbie may have been a controversial doll, but it sparked an important conversation about the role of toys in children’s lives. Whether you love or hate the doll, it’s clear that Barbie will continue to evolve and change over the years, reflecting the shifting attitudes and values of society.

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