Disabled Dolls?

harmless_little_f***

'Are Down's syndrome, blind and chemotherapy dolls a blessing or just a sick joke? Supporters say they help children.'

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article4206469.ece

http://forums.thejitty.com/viewtopic.php?p=136339

There's been an increase in dolls with disabilities for children on the market. There is debate about whether all households in the UK should have one of these for their children.

I thought it'd be an interesting discussion, as long as we all agree to leave sentimentality at the door and are openly honest.

What are your thoughts?

blackredyellow

I don't think that I agree with "all households in the UK should have one", but I see it as a good thing.

I think it's good for two reasons...

For disabled children, they can get a doll "like" them to play with to feel more accepted... We see the same thing with dolls of different races, children (or maybe it's the parents) tend to buy/play with dolls that look like them.

And also, if they are popular, it would probably be good for other children so people with disabilities don't seem as "different" as them. If Barbie has a friend in a wheelchair, that might make them less likely to tease someone at school or whatever.

Heineken Helen

blackredyellow wrote:

I don't think that I agree with "all households in the UK should have one", but I see it as a good thing.

I think it's good for two reasons...

For disabled children, they can get a doll "like" them to play with to feel more accepted... We see the same thing with dolls of different races, children (or maybe it's the parents) tend to buy/play with dolls that look like them.

And also, if they are popular, it would probably be good for other children so people with disabilities don't seem as "different" as them. If Barbie has a friend in a wheelchair, that might make them less likely to tease someone at school or whatever.

very good points... I agree!

cincybearcat

I think it's a good idea for the reasons already mentioned.

Sure, they could be used to make fun of people, etc., but the dolls themselves are not inherently mean.

I see it along the same lines of having multi-cultural dolls in daycares...helping kids understand by raising the questions and overall awareness.

MattCameronKicksButt

I'm not so sure. Someone was saying on the TV the other day that children except everyone as equals anyway. It's only when kids become older and learn from their parents that they start to treat people differently.
Saying that, Barbie is supposed to be the ideal, physical woman, which many people are unhappy with. How long before a fat, spotty doll is made? Or has one already been made?

cincybearcat

MattCameronKicksButt wrote:

I'm not so sure. Someone was saying on the TV the other day that children except everyone as equals anyway. It's only when kids become older and learn from their parents that they start to treat people differently.
Saying that, Barbie is supposed to be the ideal, physical woman, which many people are unhappy with. How long before a fat, spotty doll is made? Or has one already been made?

Done.

http://search.ebay.com/rosie-odonnell-doll_W0QQfkrZ1QQfnuZ1QQfsooZ2QQfsopZ32QQkeywordZrosieQ20odonnellQ20doll

blackredyellow

cincybearcat wrote:

Done.

http://search.ebay.com/rosie-odonnell-doll_W0QQfkrZ1QQfnuZ1QQfsooZ2QQfsopZ32QQkeywordZrosieQ20odonnellQ20doll

HAHAHAHAHA.....