In the grand scheme of things, the progressive nature of a children’s toy probably doesn’t really have that much impact on the world. Still, some children’s toys are bigger than others and some are so iconic that even as we grow from childhood into adulthood, they are still just as instantly recognisable as ever.
That’s the case with a new collector’s edition of Barbie that has recently been released. The doll, designed by Italian-based, Japanese-inspired brand Tokidoki features a Barbie with a whole lot of tattoos (at least by comparison to past incarnations of the doll). For some, this is a great step forward for children to be able to gain exposure to tattoo and in this way, lessen the negative impact that society so often places on tattooed people. Tattooed parents especially can see the benefit in their children gaining additional exposure to the art form. But there are always the naysayers and in this case, they seem to be striking out at all the old, well trodden stereotypes of tattoo…
‘One commenter, on the Ms Twixt website for parents of Tween-age girls, wrote: ‘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!”
‘Another, named Jerry, added: ‘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.’
Not quite sure how tattoos equate alcohol and cigarettes, but whatever, that person is clearly delusional. And as for the person who stated that tattoo should never be honored, well I don’t think that narrow minded, ignorant parents should be honored and for this reason, his comments mean absolutely nothing to me. These comments certainly don’t reflect the average consumer either, as the $50 limited edition doll has completely sold out. This is a great thing and I’m very glad to see hope for a future where the children of today don’t view tattooed people as anything different or shocking or associate any sort of criminality with tattoo. It might just be a doll, but it’s also a doll with a whole lot of power.