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American Girl doll company promotes lesbianism

Moms View Message Board: The Kitchen Table (Debating Board): American Girl doll company promotes lesbianism
By Breann on Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 04:05 pm:

I heard about this over the holidays. Does it change your view of the doll? They aren't that popular around here, and my dd hasn't asked for one. But, after hearing all of these reports, I don't know that I will want to purchase one in the future. Here is a link to just one of the articals.

http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=47812

By Ginny~moderator on Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 04:40 pm:

THAT IS A LIE. AMERICAN GIRL DOES NOT - REPEAT NOT - PROMOTE LESBIANISM. That is an outright lie promoted by some religiously extremely conservative groups because they disapprove of American Girl's support of a respected at least 50-year old community service/outreach program, Girls, Inc., that has provided services to girls since at least 1945. The argument some relgious conservative groups have with Girls, Inc. (and hence, American Girl Doll Co.) is that among the many things it teaches, American Girl (a) teaches about sexuality, including birth control, (b) promotes tolerance of all kinds and types, and (c) is pro-choice. Here is link to an article that goes into details:
Womens News

Here's a link to the website for Girls, Inc., the group that American Girl Doll Co. is supporting:
Girls Inc

By Angellew on Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 04:43 pm:

I've read the material provided on Girls Inc., which was provided in the article, and it really amazes me how the article twists the information that they actually link you to!?!

They are not "promoting" lesbianism or abortion. Everything they said, IMO, was very encouraging to girls/young woman.

They are pro-choice, whihc is another debate in and of itself, but they are not promoting abortion. Here is their excerpt:

"Reproductive Freedom

Girls Incorporated affirms that girls and young women should make responsible decisions about sexuality, pregnancy and parenthood.

We recognize the right of all women to choose whether, when, and under what circumstances to bear children. Reproductive freedom and responsibility are essential to other rights and opportunities, including pursuit of education, employment, financial security and a stable and fulfilling family life. Restrictions of reproductive choice are especially burdensome for young women and poor women. Girls Incorporated supports a woman’s freedom of choice, a constitutional right established by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1973 in Roe vs. Wade. "

As for the lesbianism... again, not promotion, but encouragement for those who feel they are. It's just information!

It doesn't change my opinion of the American Girl company.

By Dawnk777 on Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 06:21 pm:

Nope, doesn't change my opinion either. They make dolls for girls, that still are girls and not teenage wannabees.

By Livvy on Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 06:35 pm:

I'd give my DD 20 American Girls dolls before I would give her 1 Bratz doll!! Bratz dolls look trashy and trampy and I don't ever want my DD to think looking like that is OK. As soon as I saw them when they came out I told DD I thought they were very ugly (didn't want to use the words that I really thought) and thankfully she agreed and has never wanted one!!

I've read info on Girls,Inc. before and never felt they were promoting lesbianism in any way. I have always felt that Girls, Inc. was very empowering for girls and women. To say that American Girl dolls promote lesbianism is just plain crazy!!

By Breann on Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 06:47 pm:

Livvy, I can't stand Bratz dolls either. Not allowed at our house!

By Mrsheidi on Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 07:28 pm:

Hhhhmmm...how does one actually "promote" lesbianism anyway? It is what it is.

By Crystal915 on Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 07:59 pm:

I've liked American Girl dolls since I was a kid, and now I'm even more appreciative of the company, and what they do for girls. They PROMOTE acceptance and positive self image. I think companies who promote closed-mindedness and hate are the enemy here. The groups that started this "accusation" do nothing but spread hate for anything that doesn't fit into their "ideals". Whether you "approve" of homosexuality or not, I think it's our job as parents to encourage our children practice tolerance, and to treat others with respect. Pretend this was a race issue, that a white supremacy group was "boycotting" a company for promoting racial tolerance. We'd be calling for their heads on a platter, how DARE they spread such hate and racism. Is this any different? Exclusion in any form is unacceptable, and I'm getting really tired of hearing these "family advocacy" groups shoving their hateful beliefs down Americans' throats.

By Dawnk777 on Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 08:02 pm:

Crystal, you said that well!

By Ginny~moderator on Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 08:23 pm:

Well, from what I'm reading in this thread, Crystal, nobody here seems to be swallowing it.

By Crystal915 on Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 08:26 pm:

That seems to be true, Ginny, my frustration is with the millions of Americans who DO swallow it, then spew it all over. *sigh* I just can't understand such pointless hate.

By Pamt on Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 09:49 pm:

Hmmm...this is a tough one for me for many reasons. First of all, the website from which the original article was taken seems to be a very fundamental in-your-face webzine and that is always a turnoff for me even if I do happen to agree with the content (which I don't in this case). I went to the Girls, Inc. site and agree with about 95% of what I read (I didn't read the WHOLE site--just scanned). I think their overall mission is a great one---to empower girls to be who and what they want to be and not to conform to society's unrealistic or demeaning standards of women. I do not agree at all with their pro-choice stance, but they did stay that they preferred an abstinence first approach while also teaching responsible birth control. Not my ideal, but I can live with that. I do not agree with homosexuality, but I certainly don't think the Girls, Inc. site "Promoted" lesbianism (an obviously editorial slant by WorldNet Daily). The Girls, Inc. site merely stated:

"We recognize that any sizable group of girls includes those who face issues related to their sexual orientation or that of a family member and who face discrimination based on this sexual orientation. Girls have a right to positive, supportive environments and linkages to community resources for dealing with issues of sexual orientation."

Many girls do struggle with sexual orientation and they do need a supportive environment for dealing with those issues. As a youth minister, my DH has dealt with a few teens struggling with questions of homosexuality and or homosexual experimentation/curiosity. Although he doesn't agree with it or condone it, as a counselor he does give teens a safe and nonjudgmental place to express their feelings and worries and talk about it without being made to feel inferior or deviant.

All of this to say that I think the WorldNet Dailu or the religious right (*sigh*) needed another new cause to go after. I think the world would be a much better place if we could just love each other and stop the pointless hate as Crystal referenced. If I had a daughter I would still allow her to have American Girl stuff. As a girl I would have absolutely LOVED all of the American Girl dolls, books, and accessories and their affiliation with Girls, Inc. would not change that. I think we need to be much more concerned about all of the "made in China" crap that we buy and stuff churned out by sweatshops and child labor, IMHO.

P.S., I feel that as a Christian I must address the subject of "tolerance" though. It is indeed a slippery slope. We all know the "hate the sin, love the sinner" quote. As cliche as it is, I do think it does ring true. Christianity does teach love and acceptance for ALL people, but it doesn't teach tolerance for sin and that is a distinction. I can love somewhat who knowingly engages in sin (i.e., my dad when he was having an affair), but I don't have to have tolerance for his behavior (adultery=sin). And FYI, I did have a bisexual and a Hindu at my house for Christmas dinner :). Everyone got along famously.

By Reds9298 on Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 09:59 pm:

Livvy-My thoughts exactly!!! IMO, Bratz dolls promote t-r-a-m-p with a capital T.

Yes Heidi...and how WOULD one promote lesbianism? I agree, that's a bit of a silly statement in itself.

By Crystal915 on Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 11:28 pm:

Pam, your PS struck me as interesting. Isn't "hate the sin, love the sinner" tolerance in itself? I'm not talking about approval, or even keeping your mouth shut when you disapprove, but simply understanding that no one can be forced to follow your ideals. For example, the bisexual person you had at your home for dinner, you may not APPROVE of their actions, but you are also not calling for them to be burned at the stake. I believe most Christians say it is not their place to judge, because that's God's job, right? So tolerating those who do not conform to your belief system is part of what you believe.

By Hlgmom on Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 11:34 pm:

If anything I am more inclined to purchase American Girl products now...what a concept...finally we think to promote inner strength,character and tolerance to our children and people want to find fault!!! I am so excited to read this thread and cannot wait to bolster my nieces collection! My DD will definetely have one as she gets older.

By Pamt on Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 11:58 pm:

Crystal, I would hope actually to do even more than merely tolerate someone whose lifestyle I don't agree with and love/accept him or her. However, to me the word tolerance means accepting things that I believe to be sinful as being "okay." Merriam-Webster defines tolerance as "sympathy or indulgence for beliefs or practices differing from or conflicting with one's own b : the act of allowing something." I don't indulge or allow those beliefs (i.e., when my brother had a live-in girlfriend and visited I told them they were welcome to stay at my house in separate bedrooms or get a hotel room), but I still loved my brother. NO!! Definitely not calling for them to be burned at the stake, shunned, etc., but if someone asked me I would tell them directly that I disagreed with their choice to get an abortion, practice homosexuality, whatever. Does that make a little more sense? The word tolerance just makes it seem as if everything in "okay" when I don't think it is. You're right---it is God's job to judge, but the Bible is pretty clear about what is sin (I'm right in the mix myself!) and that we are to hate sin as He does. Sorry---I've taken this thread on a very different tangent, but I did want to address your question. Does that make a little more sense? (Although you may not agree)

By Ginny~moderator on Friday, December 30, 2005 - 05:22 am:

Pam, I don't think you've taken the thread in a different direction, I think it is a natural progression. And I agree, the word "tolerance" is a tricky one. I can't think of a better word at the moment, but there must be one. But I think the way the word "tolerance" is used in the context we are discussing means what you practice - acceptance of the differences without necessarily giving personal approval of a behavior you think is wrong. And, of course, tell the truth, lovingly, if you are asked.

I had a chuckle with your story about your brother. My oldest son is gay, and a couple of years after he came out we were having one of those late night heart to hearts. I said I think I've handled this (his being gay) pretty well, but I have to tell you, I would not be comfortable if you brought a young man home and wanted him to spend the night. He said, that's OK, Mom, you wouldn't let my brother have a girl spend the night either. - Which was/is true.

By Crystal915 on Friday, December 30, 2005 - 12:40 pm:

Ginny, you said what I have been trying to come up with, in this text I think tolerance is accepting the person, and their right to believe in different things.

By Feona on Friday, December 30, 2005 - 03:38 pm:

Huh? They must be cracking up.

By Marcia on Saturday, December 31, 2005 - 03:44 pm:

To me tolerance and acceptance are 2 different things. If I tolerate someone, it pretty much means I just put up with them. I might not like them, but I just deal with it.
If I accept someone, I am fine with them being who they are, no questions asked. I am not putting up with them because I have to, I am involved with them because I want to be.
I come across this with my kids. Some people merely tolerate them because they are in the room and they feel they have to. Some really accept them for who they are, and love them the way the do everyone else. (just a reminder that a couple of my kids have some very challenging needs)

By Unschoolmom on Sunday, January 1, 2006 - 10:56 am:

I can't believe you guys. Of COURSE they're promoting lesbianism. Spongebob did it, Tinky Winky did it...It's all the rage these days in children's toys and entertainment.

Sheesh.

:)

By Ginny~moderator on Sunday, January 1, 2006 - 05:35 pm:

That helps, Marcia. Reminds me of the number of people I've "tolerated" because of circumstances but I certainly didn't accept or approve of them. Especially some politicians and public officials I've had to deal with at various times.

By Hlgmom on Monday, January 2, 2006 - 04:25 pm:

ROFL Unschoolmom! :)

By Kiki on Monday, January 2, 2006 - 05:57 pm:

Nothing promotes homosexuality but your genes. A person is born the way he or she is. Those people are just paranoid. Maybe they are trying to hide or deny who they really are. lol

By Reds9298 on Monday, January 2, 2006 - 09:51 pm:

Hhhmmmmmm Kiki.... are you trying to start a new debate?? Just teasing :)

By Kiki on Tuesday, January 3, 2006 - 07:29 pm:

lol Red

By Karen~moderator on Tuesday, January 3, 2006 - 08:23 pm:

"To me tolerance and acceptance are 2 different things. If I tolerate someone, it pretty much means I just put up with them. I might not like them, but I just deal with it.
If I accept someone, I am fine with them being who they are, no questions asked. I am not putting up with them because I have to, I am involved with them because I want to be."


I'm with you, Marcia.

By Mrsheidi on Sunday, January 8, 2006 - 03:32 pm:

If you see a man and a woman kissing in a movie, are they "promoting" heterosexual behavior?
To promote, in my eyes, is to try to "convince". For example, if a company promotes its product by saying that it can improve your skin. I seriously doubt that a child is going to say "Well, that cartoon said it was ok to be gay. So, okay, I'm gay and I'm going to be this way because the cartoon is this way!"
I've known too many suicidal teenagers to turn my back on their true feelings.


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