Barbie has her issues, and parents of girls are no stranger to them. Add this one to the list: the newest Barbie features Tokidoki tattoos on her body.Certainly tattoos are becoming more mainstream, and many parents I know and love have them. Something tells me that a toy that claims to serve as a role model for girls and whose marquee product now models large, visibly highlighted tattoos will receive a lot of attention. (BTW, Hello Kitty didn't get a tokidoki tattoo.)
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60 comments:
Actually. There was a barbie that came out with a tattoo in 1999. Along with her fellow friends and even ken. They were all bikini clad, and had the surfer look. All with butterfly tattoos placed in various spots, depending on which one you purchased.
there was a barbie in the early 1990s that had a butterfly tattoo on her belly. they discontinued it bc of back lash. I have the doll as a collector. Its worth a lot now.
This Barbie is considered a "Collector" Barbie. She won't be available in stores like Walmart, Target or K-Mart. She is not marketed to children like the princess or other fantasy Barbies are.
they actually carry collector barbies at target, but i don't think any normal parent will pay 50+ dollars for a barbie to let their child play with.
Is Mattel crazy? Selling Barbie dolls with tattoos? That was almost as bad as having a pregnant Barbie or Skipper! Is someone on drugs at Mattel??? Can't really believe this at all! Why don't they make a suicide Barbie,complete with rope and gun! Maybe that will really do these girls a favor in showing what a role model she is! Parents apparently don't take such good notice in all this! Shouldn't have kids if they do allow them to have this kind of doll!
I think it is horrible and sends the wrong message to young people. In no way should a tattoo be honored. It is a lifetime brand which will fade and droop over time as the skin ages.
I much prefer tattoos to unrealistic proportions and the message that the most important thing is to be pretty and get a boy.
Good for you Mattel for making a doll a little more like the rest of us. I consider it a tiny step in the right direction.
They did have pregnant Midge. It was a family set w/ parents and grandparents. We have it. It was called Happy Family.
Im 20 years old, and I want one. But if I was a mother I wouldnt buy one for my daughter. This seems to be sending out the wrong message. I have hello kitty tattoos and i have a clover. It took years of hard thinking to know for a fact that i wouldnt regret them. Kids might look at this barbie as any tattoo is okay. also kids dont really know that you need to think really hard about tattoos because they are permanent.
Encouraging children that tattoos are cool is wrong, wrong, wrong. Mattel why not put a cigarette and a beer bottle in her hand while you're at it!
Maybe they should sell barbie as a prisoner or a lesbian too, that would also be politically correct or barbie with a stripper pole I bet a lot of strippers would buy that for their daughters too , let's really prepare these kids for the future. why tell them fairy tales? we all know life is not a fairy tale.
Wow. You all are so harsh. It is becoming more socially acceptable to have tattoos nowadays. If you don't think so, then that's your own closed-minded fault. Going so far as to say for them to make a Barbie with cigarettes and alcohol, or a stripper Barbie, or even a suicide Barbie, is horrible of you guys! It's a toy. It's not that big of a deal. If you don't like it, then don't expose your children to it. Have fun sheltering your kids from the entire world!! Why don't you all just get a hobby instead of bashing something so pointless?
This is awesome! I love it! You all talk about preparing kids for the future... HELLO this is a collectors Barbie first off.... Second off... Don't let Dear Aunt Chelsea over because she has tattoos... MY goodness.... so many people have tattooes now a days companies are not making them cover up anymore! It's the norm!
SO great! I gotta say, in the sea of Disney whore princesses, Barbie always shines through with a positive message. Get her DVDs. My daughter loves them and we love them because the message is always about independence, standing up for whats right and standing up for what you believe in. If you think tats on a doll is bad, take a look at the other dolls out there. AND frankly, little girls LOVE temporary tattoos. I'll definitely be getting this doll.
What has tattoos got to do with harmful n deadly poison like cigs or alcohol?? Or suicide?...or a prison sentence?? And whats this "message" its sending out that youre all so concerned about? That its ok to look the way you want? And a pregnant Barbie would be bad because... childbearing is a bad thing? Shes been together with Ken for like what, a hundred years? Tattoos are decorations, not labels (unless shes got gang tats...?) and have been worn in pretty much every culture EVER for a few hundred thousand years or so and has NOTHING to do with a bad lifestyle.
And whats with the lesbian-comment? Thats just odd.
Having ink on your skin is not a political statement or a representation of either ethniticity or sexuality so away with the "politically correct". Shouldnt you all be more concerned with Barbies heavy make up or skimpy outfits? Or is that a perfectly alright "message" to send to young girls?
Wow, really? I don't drink, I don't smoke, I don't do drugs, I've never been arrested (let alone gotten a ticket), and I have a happy, healthy, extremely smart little boy. I also happen to have tattoos. One thing I can tell you for sure is that my son will learn to never look down his nose at people the way that most of you have. How sad.
I think little kids should be allowed to be kids, tattoos, fashion and sex is for adults to choose or not to choose, its fine as a collectors doll but not for children. I grew up in the 70s and was playing with Pippa and Barbie at 13 but these dolls were aimed at young teenagers then, little girls had toddler dolls and at 13 I did dye Pippa`s hair pink and drawn a tattoo on her as she was a Punk, well I made her into a Punk. I still have her, personally I hate tattoos but whatever floats you boat I guess.
Ok first off what's so bad about a lesbian barbie? Second you can't shelter your kids forever! It's a doll marketed to adults. It specifically says on all collector dOll boxes that they aren't for kids! They're not tattoos of guns or penises so it's ok. Wake up guys! You can't shelter your kids forever or they'll become dysfunctional adults!
In this day and age it is normal for people to have tattoos, I do not know one person who does not have one in my generation. Almost everyone is covered in them, it is normal now a days. So get the hell over it. Talking about drugs and what not, and suicide because of a tattoo barbie? How about you stop being so close minded, idiot
Pink hair and tattoos? Yes. I need this. Finally Barbie looks like ME! (I have more boobage though). (and my hair happens to be purple right now, but still!)
So what are they calling this doll? Trailer Trash Barbie? Tramp-Stamp Barbie
Wow this world is sooo wantin to evolve and look how sick people get over a barbie w tats....evolve or devolve ...I supposed all the closedminded less evolved would be critical on something like this...suicide barbie? Beer bottle barbie? Crazy to compare tats to suicide....Really I mean why dnt we jus devolve as a society n put barbie in the kitchen instead of in an office or as an officer .....barbie can do it all I guess xcept have tats? ...get with the times u morons ...darwinism ...once we accept everyone for what they are n not how they look is when we might grow together and not apart... back in the day was all about fighting for individuality and this future we are in now is based upon that...
With the exception of the last few comments you all disgust me. I can't believe that someone would actually even think about a "suicide Barbie" let alone have the audacity to post that in public. I happen to have a tattoo....that also happens to represent suicide awareness/prevention. It pains me to see people so naive. If the only thing teaching your kids is a doll, then you're the real problem here. I've probably had many questionable toys as a child, but my mother would explain to me that I am not to repeat those song lyrics, or act like that guy on tv. So if barbie is telling your kids its ok to run and have a tattoo, then its your responsibility to set them straight. Especially seeing as how they would need your permission all the way through to 18. And if you don't shelter your kids and respect them and trust them to make good decisions, they will come to you about it even after they turn 18. I truly do believe that some people should need a license in order to have children.
seriously all there people saying "In no way should a tattoo be honored" and tattoos are bad need to open there eyes to the real world, tattoos are becoming more popular, and people get them for different reasons, so shut up and grow up! stop being so cynical and hating the world.
As a human being on this planet, I am disgusted. Dressing up and strutting around like this IS NOT OKAY. Where will it end?! What kind of message is this sending kids realistically? That it's okay to make these decisions and not thinking about the consequences? And what about the pain? We are telling our children that it's okay to put up with pain for the sake of appearance. It's gone too far! I stand, now and forever, against the spikes on the angry hamster dog. I'm digging the doll though, man.
Of all the ridiculous things - to compare tattoos to smoking and drinking. Really dude? You think your kid is never going want to have a mind of her own? Get your head out of your butt. Kudos to Mattel for not backing down this time. Tattoos are everywhere, purchased by business men, firemen, police officers, grandmothers, people of faith and integrity and often as heartfelt mementos to their children or deceased friends and family. I should know, my mother operated a tattoo parlor for 15 years. Barbie has been seen as a collectible for ages. With the price tag on these, I doubt that many children will be exposed to the horrors of Tokidoki when their parents can get a midriff bearing bikini Barbie for about $15. Imagine, a plastic doll covered in fabric from shoulder to ankle causing such controversy. It is marketed as a collectable and not a play-thing. Children went NUTS for the slutty-as-hell BRATZ dolls, and parents snapped them up. Is Mattel supposed to just lay down and not even try to compete with the demand for fashion forward dolls?
Oh for pity's sake, this doll is *not* marketed towards children, so it's not sending any message to them more than any other adult thing. You won't find the doll on the pink aisle at TRU, Target or Walmart. It's from the Barbie Collectibles division and is targeted solely at adult Barbie collectors. And guess what? We've seen pink hair and tattoos! Honestly, somebody needs to get a life!
You people can't be serious. It isn't a hunk of plastics job to 'send a message' or 'be a role model,' that job is for the parents. Instead of 'being outraged' or 'offended' just move on with your life. If you don't want your child to have this doll, then when they see it and ask for it, instead just show them another doll to capture their interest. Barbie is not a role model, parents are! It is parents who are responsible for sending a message and a piece of plastic with hair should not be counted on to do the job a parent has been gifted in doing. Children should look to us as who to emulate. Being mad at a doll should certainly not be your priority and like I said, if you really hate it that much, just choose a different doll or *talk* to your child and *explain* why this Barbie isn't a good choice for your child to have an offer them a doll you feel comfortable seeing her/him play with.
And to the person who suggested a Lesbian doll, your narrow minded view is very, very sad and more dangerous and disgusting than you think this doll is.
I hope they make more Barbies with Tattoos!!! I think it is great. Too many people judge people with piercings and tattoos. It is not negative in any way for someone to want a tattoo. I have always wanted them since I was a little girl.
This is the most covered-up Barbie I have ever seen. I'd rather see a peek of tattoos than a more cleavage. Also, people, let's remember this is a toy and if you think THIS is what will motivate your daughter to be a tramp, then you've stopped buying Barbies years ago.
This doll was not meant for girls. She is an ADULT collector doll and is only meant for them. She isnt meant to be played with. There is nothing wrong with her. I know people with tattoos and nor are they a bad influence. Barbie is a doll. She isnt meant to be a role model. As parents that is your job.
With a few shining exceptions, most of of the comments here show ignorance, intolerance and down-right hatred. Shame on you.
More and more children have one or more respected adult in their lives with tattoos. Many are service members who have tattoos to represent their squadron or platoon. Others are representations of the birth of their children. And all tattoos are forms of expression of self. That is never a bad thing. We should all feel free to openly express who we are - without fear of judgement or retribution. I fail to see how that is setting a bad example.
As a mother of two girls who I myself have tattoos as well as piercings, I applaud the makers of Tattoo Barbie for making a doll that fits today's society. Tattoos no longer are a threat. They are today's norm. And where I wouldn't spend $50 for this Barbie to be destroyed by play, I have every intention to purchase it for my 7 year olds doll collection that she doesn't play with.
To those that are "disgusted" by this Barbie...to the fans of tokidoki the tattoos on a tokidoki Barbie make complete sense. Google it if you don't know what tokidoki is. And like someone already mentioned more than likely this will be a collectors Barbie which will be pricey and there for the average child wouldn't be playing with it anyway. I don't understand why people are still so hard up on tattoos and this is coming from someone that doesn't have a single one. I don't understand what bad message having a few tattoos send. I can think of a few bad influences a lot of young girls see in Hollywood that are tattoo free.
man, a whole heck of a lot of people who posted on this topic are going to have most of Japan's young women REALLY pissed off at them. This doll is meant to celebrate THAT culture, where tattoos are woven into it's history and traditions. If you think that culture's appearance is offensive to your child, then don't buy it for them, it's as simple as that. However, I beg that you not bash on other countries cultures, especially in front of your children, as THAT is more damaging than seeing a picture of a flower on a dolls neck.
No one has mentioned that Tokidoki Barbie's pet dog/cactus is named "Bastardino"!!!???
Girls with tattoos look stickier than other girls
Like their always covered in a layer of semen
Comparing having tattoos to being a convict or drug/alcohol abuser is a FAR more damaging message to send to children than this doll possibly could send. I am a mid-thirties woman with a corporate-level job, have my own home in a nice area, and am raising a delightfully smart, healthy, and happy six-year-old boy. I also happen to have a shaved head and be heavily tattooed. It's incredibly saddening to see that at six years old, my son already has more understanding of personal expression and acceptance of those different from him than many of the adults posting here.
Oh my God. Barbie has tattoos?! Hide your children! In fact, cover them in plastic and keep them at home for the rest of their lives lest they see something that isn't "normal". But they'll go out and get tattooed, you say. Did I miss something? Since when could 6 - 11 year olds, the demographic for which Barbie is marketed, go out and get tattoos? But she'll get a tattoo when she gets older!! Maybe, maybe not. If you don't want your child getting a tattoo when they turn 18 then sit down with them... you know, actually parent your child... and explain why you don't like tattoos. You may want to educate yourself a little before "the talk" so it's not based on lies, i.e., girls with tattoos are drunk hookers!! Maybe they'll listen, maybe they won't. Bottom line... you don't like this Barbie, don't buy it. It's really that simple.
You don't like tattoos? Don't get them. But learn a little about them and those who choose to get them before you run around looking like an idiot by disparaging those of us with them.
Personally, I'm a little more upset about the Barbie line in general and the way she represents an unrealistic feminine ideal...
but I digress.
Suicide, prisoner, lesbian, drug addict, hooker, & trailer trash? This is what you people think of when you see someone with a tattoo? What message has barbie sent to her young fans prior to the release of this doll? Maybe that having an unrealistically slender waist and an abundant rack is the way to happiness and success? This has been an issue for the longest time. At least a tattoo doesn't cause you to diet obsessively and possibly cause serious mental and physical health problems, but that's beside the fact. Fact is....it's barbie. She's been around since the 50's. There are pros and cons. She sends good messages, she sends bad messages. It's a parents duty to direct their children in making the decisions they want them to make and what they deem good, healthy decisions. I'm appalled at some of the responses on here, you are everything that is absolutely disgusting and wrong in this world. You are all prejudice, small-minded individuals and you should be ashamed of yourselves.
I love this Barbie :) What I find funny is the little pet that comes with this Barbie. His name is Bastardino. Is he a fatherless dino?!?! lol Seriously people need to just relax. If you don't like the tattoos and hair, don't buy it. Simple as that.
If your kid wants a Barbie with tattoos, he/she can go buy temp tattoos and put them on. They probably already have.
Color her hair pink or purple or green or whatever. We did that when I was a kid, you can, too.
I sure wouldn't pay extra for them.
Tattoos are so mainstream now. People with them think they're radical but now they're just followers.
Seriously, though, who's going to want a Hello Kitty tat when she's 60?
For everyone saying that anyone with tattoos must be a horrible role model and that their kids will become horrible people if they grow up and get tattoos:
I have an ivy league education from the most prestigious school for my industry. I run my own business. I am very involved in the community and advocate for improvement and safety of various causes in my community and nationally. I have many friends like myself who are highly educated and lead healthy, happy and active lives that would be fitting of any role model and guess what! We all have tattoos! They are important to us and well thought out and we're proud to wear them as we enter our saggy skinned years, hopefully less saggy than most since fitness is also an important part of our lives.
It is up the the parents to be a role model ... not a doll. Stop complaining about the doll & do your job & raise your kids. Let them know YOU think it's wrong (which it's not). If you don't like it, don't buy it .. and if you don't raise such a stink about it your kid will never know!!
can you tell by looking that Barbie is a lesbian or not?
to all those people "outraged" at this, simple dont buy the doll. i am pretty sure i would not be buying my little god daughters a $50 barbie to play with. i have more of a problem with the assumptions and denouncements of prim and proper "good people" then a doll that is clearly marketed for collectors. its funny how easily you categorize people with tattoos as being bad. are all people with tattoos nothing but sailors, criminals or bikers? that kind of discrimination is like saying that black people are lazy and all native people are drunks. tattoos go back much farther in history then the good book or western culture. maybe you should open your minds and quit being so judgmental. this for instance http://www.neatorama.com/2007/09/23/the-tattooed-doctor/, and remember, the differance between people with tattoos and those against them, people with tattoos dont give a flying frack you dont have any.
i think that many parents who are commenting about how "horrible" barbie is because she has tattoos and pink hair are completely nieve! Relating tattoos to suicide and teen pregnancy? Are you crazy? I am not only a mother but a school teacher and I believe that my NUMEROUS tattoos do not in ANY WAY reflect my abilities as a mother nor a teacher and do not make me a "horrible influence." I have had the privilege to win MANY awards through my school and county saying the opposite is true... If parents believe that a little body ink and pink hair is the biggest problem with barbie dolls they are blind to what the doll can really teach children (mostly little girls). Did you know if Barbie was a real person, she would be 6 feet tall, 100 lbs and wear a size 4 and a THIRTY NINE INCH BUST!? How realistic are these measurements because I have no problem saying I do not weigh 100 pounds and I haven't been a size 4 in years (and I am still a healthy weight for someone 5'3''). If parents are relying on BARBIE DOLLS to raise and influence their children, I believe her tattoos and hair color might be the least of their worries... If you don't enjoy her tattoos, heels and hair, don't buy the doll and be your childrens influence and idol, dont leave it up the the doll!
I honestly think this Barbie is the coolest thing they have come out with in a very long time. I don't understand all the problems with her having tattoo's and pink hair. When I was a kid growing up, and I know they still have them today, kids wore stick on tattoo's everywhere! I know everyone remembers the ones you stuck on with water! We were practically raised to believe tattoo's were okay. Personally I'm 20 years old and have 3 tattoo's right now, and planning on getting the one extended up to my ribs. This doesn't make me a horrible person. I'm a college sophomore studying Forensic Anthropology, and my teachers like my tattoo's. My sister is 31 has seven or more tattoo's, my mother, whom got her first tattoo at forty and is now 49 and has six tattoo's. If you don't want your kids to be influenced by tattoo's then lock them in a bubble because they are everywhere. The world needs to grasp that tattoo's aren't going away because you don't like them. Also I am going to buy this doll and add it to my collection of anime/video game/magic cards/ and other nerdy collection of things. Long live the nerdy girls like me, and long live FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION!
I would just like everyone to know that Bastardino means mongrel or pooch in italian!
Too many ninnies on here. I Love the doll. As a parent, it wouldn't be purchased for my kids and for any parents with their panties all in bunches over it...simply don't buy one. See how easy that was?
I first seen your opinion on this in OK Magazine, and you said that "encouraging children that tattoos are cool is wrong, wrong, wrong." Comparing tattoos to cigarettes and beer is "wrong, wrong, wrong." A tattoo is a expression of yourself, who you are. In no way are they wrong, or harmful. It's art! It's like saying that peircings or fashion are wrong. I'm a young teenager and I have a tattoo, a camera on my ankle, tell me how that's wrong?! In no way am I saying that small children should get a tattoo, but I do think that teaching them that are bad is not fair. I think the tokidoki doll is fabulous, and tattoos are gorgeous. What you said upset me alot, but that's my opinion.
I see no problem with this barbie doll for several reasons:
1) It is being marketed to adult collectors (and the price reflects that).
2) Mattel has sold barbie dolls with tattoos before, I had one with a butterfly tattoo on her back as a child and no one thought I would rush out to get a big glittery butterfly on my back the first chance I got (and I didn't, by the way).
3) I see children with backpacks, clothing, water bottles, lunch boxes, etc. that have tattoo designs on them everywhere. The 'Ed Hardy' look is popular right now and the market has responded to it.
4) Parents control what they buy for their children, and what they allow their children to play with.
P.S. Temporary tattoos (including very realistic ones) have been marketed to children since they began being produced, yet no one is posting here raging about that....
-Liz
Charlotte, Thank you for your comment. You mention that I was quoted in OK Magazine, but I have never spoken to OK Magazine, nor is that my quote. I did do an interview with Reuters on this issue, and that link can be found here: http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/10/26/us-toys-barbie-tattoos-idUSTRE79P6MV20111026
Charlotte, I appreciate the fact that you mention the word art (A tattoo is a expression of yourself, who you are. In no way are they wrong, or harmful. It's art!)
I think it gives children an indication of the different subcultures in today's society. Children may become interested in the meaning of the art of the tattoos and the stories behind them. Now Barbie is also "drawn" with a certain conviction of art.
To those freaking out about tattoos and piercings on Barbie doesn't anyone remember piercing Barbie ? She came in a VERY skimpy outfit(short blue one shoulder top and jean mimi skirt) complete with "Piercing Gun" and multiple ear holes with which you could pretend to pierce her ears. I had that as a child and now that there's a tattoo barbie who is CLOTHED people are freaking out? What is wrong with society. Just because I pierced my barbie as a child did not make me want all sorts of piercings when I was younger. I just thought it was fun. When I was younger I just wanted to be like my mom and dad who should be the REAL role models today.
To all the people going crazy about Barbie getting a tattoo...Are you kidding me? Why are tattoos still treated in such a taboo way? Body art is a form of self expression, just because a group of people with an absolutely pre-historic mind set have a problem with them does not make body art 'wrong'. There are all different types of people in the world, all with different looks and that's what makes the world so special. Sorry but we can't all be your cookie cutter clone, pink clothing, pig tail wearing, Justin Beiber fans. Also Barbie has an unobtainable figure, facial features and hair....things that people would need plastic surgery, botox, bleach to achieve, so what sort of message is that sending out? Making a Barbie with tattoos is not 'wrong', you people act as if those with tattoos have some sort of disease. You also completely underestimate these girls minds, Just because they have been exposed to a Barbie with tattooes does not mean that as soon as they hit 18 they will all be running to the nearest tattoo parlour and inking themselves up. Trust that they will now their own mind, and be able to make their own decisions, and whatever that desicion may be will be the right one for them.
To those slagging off tattoos, get a life, tattooing and piercing have been a way of expressing individuality, religion, and culture since prehistory, I think the man found in the ice in the alps who is around ten thousand years old has tattoos, I don't have any ATM, but I'm planning them, and I'm a period costumer and dress maker, I do have the occasional drink I don't smoke. Does this make me trash,? Well the children I see on a regular basis don't think so. So seriously get off your pedestals, do some research and get your head outta your arse, those who discriminate and spread hatred are the ones who won't reach heaven or criss the river or where ever your faith says you go.
Okay wow just wow. I think this doll is amazing. Honestly, calling someone with tattoos 'disgusting' is as worse as calling a large woman disgusting. These parents need to chill the heck out. Tattoos are a form of art. Your skin is a canvas.
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