Soapbox

Adult Barbie - is fishnets too far?

Jul 17 06:43am

She's one of the world's most well-known and loved children's toys but Marbie has been given a makeover to make her more appealing to adults.

"Totally amoral" is how Child Psychologist Doctor Michael Carr-Gregg describes the move by Mattel.

Mattell's Barbie franchise has been undermined by the success  of the worldly-wise BRATZ range of dolls.

"Fishnets stockings... it's going too far,"  he says. "It's really outrageous."

Doctor Carr-Gregg says the barometer for these kinds of things is would you wear what the doll is wearing to work?  "I call on all the Sunrise family to boycott this toy."

Will you boycott this toy or do you think it is not as "outrageous" as the Doctor says?
Tell us below...

Related links
Billions at stake in battle of the dolls New Zealand Herald

11 Comments Report Abuse
1. barbarawall@rocketmail.com - Jul 17 04:05pm
I asked my 9 & 12 yr old daughters what they thought and they both said yuk, gone is the day of dressing Barbie in tennis clothes or pj's or hiking gear, what scene does this Barbie belong in?Barbara Wall
2. cwynn1991 - Jul 17 05:43pm
What they failed to mention is that the Black Canary Barbie is based on a comic book character and is a limited edition ADULT COLLECTOR doll. The box will be clearly market "for the adult collector aged 14 "

Continued next post...
3. cwynn1991 - Jul 17 05:50pm
Collector Barbie Dolls like this one are NEVER sold in stores in Australia except for specialist doll collector stores. This doll will problably cost $60-$100 retail anyway because it is a COLLECTABLE NOT A TOY intended for children!
4. uncamarty - Jul 17 06:18pm
cwynn - I second that. This is definitely a Collector's doll - see http://www.urban-collector.com/jun0 84767.html for a listing.
Guys - this was pointed out by a viewer during the show and 2 min of actual research will stop a needless beatup.
5. uncamarty - Jul 17 06:21pm
Second point - I was actually astounded by Dr Carr-Gregg's tirade on this issue. There I was standing there with my jaw agape, wondering what the good doctor was taking from his own medical bag...
Sure, we need to keep our kiddies safe, but for crying out loud, mate!
6. lovedee@rocketmail.com - Jul 17 08:51pm
I'm glad people have done 2 minutes of research. Perhaps the Doc will now hit up the cartoon network which showed 3 seasons of Justice League Unlimited starring black canary. Oh & Yahoo will be in trouble if he sees the avatar i just made on here...oh the humanity!! Good on ya 7-infotainment rules!
7. rmharris4 - Jul 17 09:34pm
Like i said Bondage Barbie here i come!!!!
8. greenarrow131 - Jul 17 10:01pm
Research , Research , Research - It is not that hard I found a link in about 6 secs.
http://www.barbiecollector.com/show case/product.aspx?id=1003820&t= modern

Note it says in there barbiecollector
Typical Media beatup
9. rbertolotti2001 - Jul 17 10:32pm
this is a collector item, something that is not intended for children it's intended for adults and that's who it's being marketed towards, Mattel didn't even come up with the costume and if they had I'm sure it wouldn't have included fishnets what's next no Wonder Woman Barbie?
10. zoemartin@ymail.com - Jul 20 06:24pm
This is WAY to far for young 5 year olds to be playing in their doll houses with. Barbie this time you have gone WAY too far.
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