OPINION & EDITORIAL
Boycott of dolls a misguided action
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Also by Sarah Howard:
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- Hosty decision affects student papers (September 7, 2005)
- Grant boosts language (October 20, 2006)
- Drop in oil supply demands action (September 13, 2005)
- UW aid looms over race (October 27, 2006)
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by Sarah Howard
Thursday, November 3, 2005
At first it seems odd that a Catholic school in Brookfield, Wis., would have a problem with American Girl dolls.
One could rationalize disapproval of Barbie dolls, whose indulgent lifestyles are marketed and highlighted everywhere except their scrawny physiques. The same goes for the newly popular Bratz dolls, who often sport outfits that make Lil 'Kim look conservative.
Alternatively, American Girl dolls provide a respectable and healthy option in the increasingly inappropriate doll market. These dolls are fully dressed and healthily proportioned. They even come with their own line of educational storybooks that are set in different periods of American history.
The quality and respectability of the products are mirrored in the conduct of this branch of Mattel, Inc. Over 60 times a year, the company partners with non-profit group and holds a benefit fashion show.
This year, St. Luke's School in Brookfield landed one of these highly sought-after partnerships. Their fashion show was scheduled for next spring. At the show, St. Luke's expected to raise upwards of $10,000 from ticket and raffle sales and business sponsorships. American Girl would also have donated a percentage of the doll, book and accessories sales to St. Luke's — clearly a profitable venture for both parties involved. So why did St. Luke's cancel the fundraiser last week?
Because, as it turns out, American Girl is not as wholesome as the company first appears — at least not according to the administration at St. Luke's and angry conservative groups.
In September, American Girl made the fateful philanthropic decision to help out another non-profit called Girls, Inc. — formerly the Girls Club of America. At that time, American Girl started selling one dollar "I Can" bracelets, the proceeds from which went to support Girls, Inc. centers across the country and the organization's website.
The problem was and is that Girls, Inc. — in addition to providing resources and education regarding athletics, self-esteem, and women's health — has advocacy positions. They include support of abortion and contraception along with sexual abstinence. They also affirm lesbian sexual orientation. These positions are obviously not shared by the Catholic Church and are the reason why St. Luke's felt morally obligated to sever their partnership with American Girl.
Co-Chairman of the event, Catherine Valentyn, explained that the school was sorry to cancel the event, but felt it was wrong to hold it after learning of American Girl's support for Girls, Inc. "We know what the Catholic Church stands for, and we, in essence, represent them," said Valentyn.
This is too bad for the girls at St. Luke's. The fundraiser promised not only new dolls and a family friendly activity, but also money for a new playground and the remodeling of their library. But these girls aren't the real beneficiaries of American Girl's philanthropic actions, and they won't be the real victims if the company decides to discontinue such shows. The losers will be the under-privileged young women who rely on Girls, Inc. for empowering messages and support.
So far, St. Luke's has been the only non-profit organization to cancel, but interest groups like the Pro-Life Action League and the American Family Association are hoping others will follow their lead. These groups have mounted large campaigns to discourage parents and children from buying the dolls and attending the fashion shows. Arguing that American Girl is promoting promiscuity and anti-Christian values, these groups are urging boycotts of American Girl products and in doing so, calling for the discontinuation of donations to groups like Girls, Inc.
I can understand the actions of St. Luke's, who ended their partnership with American Girl, because their "integrity isn't for sale." But if it's integrity we're worried about, groups like the Pro-Life Action League and American Family Association should discontinue their call for boycotts and their demonizing of American Girl.
One of the most important tenets of Christianity is to give generously to others, especially those in need. American Girl and Girls, Inc. are doing just that. They help disadvantaged, young women build higher self-esteem and access resources when support systems like a churches and well-funded schools are absent. They provide a wealth of services that should not be discredited because of an allegedly undesirable list of advocacy positions. The Church and conservative groups do not need to applaud American Girl and Girls, Inc.'s doctrine of acceptance or style of support. But they should at least tolerate their gesture of generosity. It's simply the right, and Christian, thing to do.
Sarah Howard (smhoward@wisc.edu) is a junior majoring in political science and journalism.
Anonymous (November 3, 2005 @ 5:58am):
This conservative group are not interested in helping woman. Their only concern is spreading their narrow thinking beliefs. It is groups like these that elected President Bush and our country is in the mess it is today. The harm this administration has done here and abroard will take generations to undo. Your product has introduced girls to different cultures andfamiliarized them to the handicapped.
Once again this group worrys about unborn fetuses not the soldiers who are getting killed inIraq and not feeding nurturing of
children facing abuse and hunger.
Anonymous (November 3, 2005 @ 7:56am):
Sarah, it may be a Christian thing to do, but it is also a democratic thing to do to exercise one's right to not support a company that advocates moral decadence. I for one do not support the lesbian agenda and will refuse to buy any product in which the proceeds will be used to fund the political activities of any organization that seeks to corrupt our nation's children. Comprende?
Anonymous (November 3, 2005 @ 9:21am):
Let's say that I donate vast sums of money to groups that minister to the needs of the disabled and impoverished, but that I also advocate the prolific use of the death penalty to punish all felony offenses? Would you be comfortable with maintaining a professional and philanthropic relationship with me?
Why is it okay for American Girl to advocate for socio-political policy through the organizations it supports but groups like the AFA shouldn't enjoy such freedom? Remember that any admixture of truth and error is error, not truth.
Anonymous (November 3, 2005 @ 11:50am):
EXCEPT... that buy accepting a single dollar of money from Mattel, they would be endorsing the company. The Amercian Girl label would be on the dolls, the banners, the event. If you'd like to learn the TRUE "Christian" thing to do, then I suggest you read the Bible, where Christ clearly prohibits turning "My house into a den of theives." Stealing Christ's message in exchange for some free dolls and playground equipment would be the MOST unChristian thing this church could do. I applaud them for their efforts and their decision. These students will leanr more from NOT having the fundraiser than the could've benefitted from playground equipment.
Anonymous (November 3, 2005 @ 4:59pm):
Are you a Catholic? Because if you're not, maybe you should read up on the subject. You were probably one of the people who were surprised that the Catholic church chose a conservative Pope.
Here's a quick hint to bring you up to speed...Catholics don't believe in abortion. Individuals may, but then, they might not REALLY be following the Catholic faith as outlined in the Catechism.
As far as strict Catholics are concerned there's blood on that money (harsh but true, from their perspectives). Sure, they could get money, but maybe, just maybe, you're putting money at a higher value than they are. How much would you accept to trade in your Moral and Spiritual base?
Anonymous (November 4, 2005 @ 8:14am):
besides... these dolls are just promoting the incorrect view that its ok to be fat... with their "healthier proportions." I'll take the barbie doll over that any day. Go work out fatties!
Anonymous (November 4, 2005 @ 11:21am):
A bunch of Catholic school kids whose first exposure to issues of sesxual preference/birth control is that they're going to miss out on the chance to get new toys? What exactly are they going to learn from that? It seems hard enough as it is for anyone going through Catholic school not to lapse by the time they graduate...
Anonymous (November 5, 2005 @ 8:51am):
The far liberal left keeps pushing its agendas and keeps acting outraged when the right react. Big surprise
Anonymous (November 5, 2005 @ 7:03pm):
The reason you have no response: boring!
Anonymous (November 6, 2005 @ 12:46pm):
Is it just me, or are most of the posters here extremely condescending?
Sarah's article was very well written and straight to the point. Yet people on here jump on her for merely having an opinion. Particularly the person who wrote "How much would you accept to trade in your Moral and Spiritual base?" Ok, so now anyone who isn't Roman Catholic isn't truly spiritual? Interesting. Well, to that poster, I invite you to put me (one of those Lutheran heretics you burned 500 years ago) on your contempt list as well.
Sundown Jaxebad
