American girl place

[quote author="SoCal78" date=1258454667]Should I be glad I have no idea what an American girl place is? Ahhh, the benefits of having only boys. :)</blockquote>


Psst: These are the only sensible and interesting characters in a little girl's life;-)



But you should be glad that you don't have to stand in line waiting for a "Princess" to autograph your daughter's Disney book.. that was the low point of my parenting so far! Thankfully Disney is reworking on the Princess image and Giselle(Enchanted) didn't end up living happily ever after with the Prince charming she sang her song with.
 
Every time I think this country can't possibly get any worse...



<blockquote>American Girl stores celebrate girls? interests with engaging products and experiences designed just for them. <strong>Located at seven premier shopping and entertainment destinations nationwide</strong>, American Girl stores have been praised as <strong>leading models for experiential retail and provide a special place for girls to make lasting memories</strong> with their families and friends.



At the American Girl stores, girls ages 3 and up can explore the shops filled with our popular American Girl historical and contemporary dolls, browse our award-winning library of books, enjoy a delicious meal in the on-site restaurants, and<span style="color: red;"><strong> treat their doll to a new look in the Doll Hair Salon</strong></span>. But there?s so much more?engaging programs and special events for girls are also held throughout the year.</blockquote>


Seriously, this is the kind of thing that turns normal people into raving lunatics... a salon day... not for your daughter, but for her f&^*ing DOLL!?!?!? People are losing their damn homes across the country, parents are signing up for foodstamps, yet these asshats are selling spa days for some kid's plastic playmate? What is this teaching girls... that "trophy wife" is an acceptable goal? That getting your hair done is after a hard day of shopping is the way life should be?



CZ, I'm not trying to be offensive nor am I trying to imply anything about you personally. I just think this kind of place, while certainly fitting the criteria for a peer pressure emporium, is an anathema to modern women, undermining every step women have taken in order to be treated equally. They can dress it up with "historical dolls" and made up stories about their "lives" but at it's core, this is a glorified babysitting service masquerading as a day spa for dolls while teaching little girls that shopping and spa days are not just treats, but a way of life. This country is already programing consumerism into almost every available media outlet, does that have to extend to every aspect of childhood?



And to think, little girls used to want a pony.
 
Little girls still want a pony nude, only when they are below six.



While I agree that American place is another rip off, I don't see anything wrong with letting kids indulge a little once in a while. I used to be dead against buying Barbies when she was little, and didn't buy her any till she was four. Surprise surprise! All she got for her birthday were barbie dolls partly because her friends thought it was unfair that she didn't have any. She did enjoy dressing them up for a few months before the hands and legs came apart, and thankfully doesn't think girls have to look pretty like Barbie. So these days instead of stopping her from doing everything I disapprove of, I let her try a few things and decide on her own.



I did see the details- they have a chair for the doll @ Bistro. I don't know what girl 6+ still feeds her dolls. But yeah, like I said, if it's a way of life, then I will raise my objections. As long as it is a birthday treat, or something she gets as a reward, I don't mind. As it is I am a cruel mother making the kids eat all organic stuff, don't let them stay up past bedtime and making them read books instead of watching TV.
 
[quote author="Nude" date=1258566541]Every time I think this country can't possibly get any worse...



<blockquote>American Girl stores celebrate girls? interests with engaging products and experiences designed just for them. <strong>Located at seven premier shopping and entertainment destinations nationwide</strong>, American Girl stores have been praised as <strong>leading models for experiential retail and provide a special place for girls to make lasting memories</strong> with their families and friends.



At the American Girl stores, girls ages 3 and up can explore the shops filled with our popular American Girl historical and contemporary dolls, browse our award-winning library of books, enjoy a delicious meal in the on-site restaurants, and<span style="color: red;"><strong> treat their doll to a new look in the Doll Hair Salon</strong></span>. But there?s so much more?engaging programs and special events for girls are also held throughout the year.</blockquote>


Seriously, this is the kind of thing that turns normal people into raving lunatics... a salon day... not for your daughter, but for her f&^*ing DOLL!?!?!? People are losing their damn homes across the country, parents are signing up for foodstamps, yet these asshats are selling spa days for some kid's plastic playmate? What is this teaching girls... that "trophy wife" is an acceptable goal? That getting your hair done is after a hard day of shopping is the way life should be?



CZ, I'm not trying to be offensive nor am I trying to imply anything about you personally. I just think this kind of place, while certainly fitting the criteria for a peer pressure emporium, is an anathema to modern women, undermining every step women have taken in order to be treated equally. They can dress it up with "historical dolls" and made up stories about their "lives" but at it's core, this is a glorified babysitting service masquerading as a day spa for dolls while teaching little girls that shopping and spa days are not just treats, but a way of life. This country is already programing consumerism into almost every available media outlet, does that have to extend to every aspect of childhood?



And to think, little girls used to want a pony.</blockquote>


<A href="http://store.americangirl.com/agshop/static/kitdoll.jsf/bcrumb/true/saleGroupId/300/uniqueId/59/nodeId/11/webMenuId/0">http://store.americangirl.com/agshop/static/kitdoll.jsf/bcrumb/true/saleGroupId/300/uniqueId/59/nodeId/11/webMenuId/0</A>



"As a girl growing up during the Great Depression, Kit sees her dad lose his business overnight. To help save their home, Kit becomes resourceful. With Ruthie by her side, Kit also learns to treasure what money can?t buy?friends and family"



P.S. I haven't gone to this store yet. Keep meaning to sightsee it, but the prices are hard to swallow.
 
[quote author="Anonymous" date=1258597640][quote author="Nude" date=1258566541]Every time I think this country can't possibly get any worse...



<blockquote>American Girl stores celebrate girls? interests with engaging products and experiences designed just for them. <strong>Located at seven premier shopping and entertainment destinations nationwide</strong>, American Girl stores have been praised as <strong>leading models for experiential retail and provide a special place for girls to make lasting memories</strong> with their families and friends.



At the American Girl stores, girls ages 3 and up can explore the shops filled with our popular American Girl historical and contemporary dolls, browse our award-winning library of books, enjoy a delicious meal in the on-site restaurants, and<span style="color: red;"><strong> treat their doll to a new look in the Doll Hair Salon</strong></span>. But there?s so much more?engaging programs and special events for girls are also held throughout the year.</blockquote>


Seriously, this is the kind of thing that turns normal people into raving lunatics... a salon day... not for your daughter, but for her f&^*ing DOLL!?!?!? People are losing their damn homes across the country, parents are signing up for foodstamps, yet these asshats are selling spa days for some kid's plastic playmate? What is this teaching girls... that "trophy wife" is an acceptable goal? That getting your hair done is after a hard day of shopping is the way life should be?



CZ, I'm not trying to be offensive nor am I trying to imply anything about you personally. I just think this kind of place, while certainly fitting the criteria for a peer pressure emporium, is an anathema to modern women, undermining every step women have taken in order to be treated equally. They can dress it up with "historical dolls" and made up stories about their "lives" but at it's core, this is a glorified babysitting service masquerading as a day spa for dolls while teaching little girls that shopping and spa days are not just treats, but a way of life. This country is already programing consumerism into almost every available media outlet, does that have to extend to every aspect of childhood?



And to think, little girls used to want a pony.</blockquote>


<A href="http://store.americangirl.com/agshop/static/kitdoll.jsf/bcrumb/true/saleGroupId/300/uniqueId/59/nodeId/11/webMenuId/0">http://store.americangirl.com/agshop/static/kitdoll.jsf/bcrumb/true/saleGroupId/300/uniqueId/59/nodeId/11/webMenuId/0</A>



"As a girl growing up during the Great Depression, Kit sees her dad lose his business overnight. To help save their home, Kit becomes resourceful. With Ruthie by her side, Kit also learns to treasure what money can?t buy?friends and family"



P.S. I haven't gone to this store yet. Keep meaning to sightsee it, but the prices are hard to swallow.</blockquote>


I haven't gone either, planning to. My daughter has read all the books, and has one little doll that comes with the costco book set.

I had gifted her Kit Kittridge set of books in 07 to prepare her for the recession.. helped her a lot to understand what was happening.
 
[quote author="Cubic Zirconia" date=1258596995]Little girls still want a pony nude, only when they are below six.



While I agree that American place is another rip off, I don't see anything wrong with letting kids indulge a little once in a while. I used to be dead against buying Barbies when she was little, and didn't buy her any till she was four. Surprise surprise! All she got for her birthday were barbie dolls partly because her friends thought it was unfair that she didn't have any. She did enjoy dressing them up for a few months before the hands and legs came apart, and thankfully doesn't think girls have to look pretty like Barbie. So these days instead of stopping her from doing everything I disapprove of, I let her try a few things and decide on her own.



I did see the details- they have a chair for the doll @ Bistro. I don't know what girl 6+ still feeds her dolls. But yeah, like I said, if it's a way of life, then I will raise my objections. As long as it is a birthday treat, or something she gets as a reward, I don't mind. As it is I am a cruel mother making the kids eat all organic stuff, don't let them stay up past bedtime and making them read books instead of watching TV.</blockquote>


Again, I am sorry if I came across as judging you. Until I saw this link I was unaware of this store's existence and my post was mostly off the cuff. I'm not against treating kids on their birthday and my nephews and niece can pretty much get what they want, from me, on that day. I'm certain that you are a loving parent with a desire to see your daughter succeed in whatever she wants to do in life.



I don't even object to the dolls themselves so much as the way they are being marketed and the services offered in the store. I was raised by a single mother and taught to respect people regardless of their sex (or race or religion, etc.) and I hold a fundamental belief that people should be allowed to find their own place in the world, but this "store" flies in the face of all of that. It smacks of indoctrination and sexism disguised as a childhood experience, reinforcing the idea that women need to do little more than look good and spend money. This is a "tea party with dolls" turned into a commercial event, complete with tables, wait staff, and stylists, and clothes shopping. What was once done with imagination and tiny plastic tea sets is now given a stamp of validity and realism that can't help but negatively reinforce stereotypes that extend the misogynistic view of women as gold diggers. I mean, kids don't even need to use their imagination anymore, they have a full staff of adults indulging their fantasies right there in the mall! Seriously, if a child's peers are telling her that this is 'cool' either directly or by example at age 5+, what chance do parents have of setting more positive examples and exposing them to real role models like the Secretary of State or the Senator from Texas or the Wall Street analyst or the Software/Civil/Electronic Engineers or the Civil Lawyers or the Police Sergeant?



Sorry, I'll stop hijacking your thread and go back to other areas of the forum ;)
 
[quote author="Nude" date=1258599672]

Sorry, I'll stop hijacking your thread and go back to other areas of the forum ;)</blockquote>
Yeah... you and graphrix shouldn't even be coming close the Parenting forum. ;-P
 
<blockquote>What was once done with imagination and tiny plastic tea sets is now given a stamp of validity and realism that can?t help but negatively reinforce stereotypes that extend the misogynistic view of women as gold diggers. I mean, kids don?t even need to use their imagination anymore, they have a full staff of adults indulging their fantasies right there in the mall! Seriously, if a child?s peers are telling her that this is ?cool? either directly or by example at age 5+, what chance do parents have of setting more positive examples and exposing them to real role models like the Secretary of State or the Senator from Texas or the Wall Street analyst or the Software/Civil/Electronic Engineers or the Civil Lawyers or the Police Sergeant?

</blockquote>


Nude you got to be one of the most cynical human beings alive.

Thank the gods you dont have a little girl of this age group.



My GF has a daughter that just turned 7. And this little girl just loves her dolls

and would get a huge bang out of this place.



Now never mind at 7 she already reads and writes in 2 languages fluently.

Is a star student and wants me to teach her to drive already. She loves her time

with her dolls.



For god sakes man. Let a girl enjoy one of the most precious moments of their lives.

Just being a little girl. Its over in the blink of an eye in lifetime wise.



I bet you would dump $ 250.00 at a strip club or a bar in the blink of an eye.



Nude.

I hope Santa Claus brings you a big lump of coal. You should change your Avatar

to the Grinch.



<img src="http://img2.timeinc.net/ew/img/review/011123/grinch_l.jpg" alt="" />
 
[quote author="Nude" date=1258599672][quote author="Cubic Zirconia" date=1258596995]Little girls still want a pony nude, only when they are below six.



While I agree that American place is another rip off, I don't see anything wrong with letting kids indulge a little once in a while. I used to be dead against buying Barbies when she was little, and didn't buy her any till she was four. Surprise surprise! All she got for her birthday were barbie dolls partly because her friends thought it was unfair that she didn't have any. She did enjoy dressing them up for a few months before the hands and legs came apart, and thankfully doesn't think girls have to look pretty like Barbie. So these days instead of stopping her from doing everything I disapprove of, I let her try a few things and decide on her own.



I did see the details- they have a chair for the doll @ Bistro. I don't know what girl 6+ still feeds her dolls. But yeah, like I said, if it's a way of life, then I will raise my objections. As long as it is a birthday treat, or something she gets as a reward, I don't mind. As it is I am a cruel mother making the kids eat all organic stuff, don't let them stay up past bedtime and making them read books instead of watching TV.</blockquote>


Again, I am sorry if I came across as judging you. Until I saw this link I was unaware of this store's existence and my post was mostly off the cuff. I'm not against treating kids on their birthday and my nephews and niece can pretty much get what they want, from me, on that day. I'm certain that you are a loving parent with a desire to see your daughter succeed in whatever she wants to do in life.



I don't even object to the dolls themselves so much as the way they are being marketed and the services offered in the store. I was raised by a single mother and taught to respect people regardless of their sex (or race or religion, etc.) and I hold a fundamental belief that people should be allowed to find their own place in the world, but this "store" flies in the face of all of that. It smacks of indoctrination and sexism disguised as a childhood experience, reinforcing the idea that women need to do little more than look good and spend money. This is a "tea party with dolls" turned into a commercial event, complete with tables, wait staff, and stylists, and clothes shopping. What was once done with imagination and tiny plastic tea sets is now given a stamp of validity and realism that can't help but negatively reinforce stereotypes that extend the misogynistic view of women as gold diggers. I mean, kids don't even need to use their imagination anymore, they have a full staff of adults indulging their fantasies right there in the mall! Seriously, if a child's peers are telling her that this is 'cool' either directly or by example at age 5+, what chance do parents have of setting more positive examples and exposing them to real role models like the Secretary of State or the Senator from Texas or the Wall Street analyst or the Software/Civil/Electronic Engineers or the Civil Lawyers or the Police Sergeant?



Sorry, I'll stop hijacking your thread and go back to other areas of the forum ;)</blockquote>


Nude, if you had told me all this when kiddo was five, I would have freaked out:)



Now I am at a stage I know that playing tea party, or even making a fancy tea for mommy wouldn't come in the way of becoming an engineer or a doctor,or even the Secretary of State when she grows up. I have played similar games, and so did many of my cousins and friends. None of them ended up being a trophy wife.



Hijacking is fine- feel free to as long as we are still talking about parenting. I would be very interested to know your views on Webkinz.
 
[quote author="Cubic Zirconia" date=1258601620]Nude, if you had told me all this when kiddo was five, I would have freaked out:)



Now I am at a stage I know that playing tea party, or even making a fancy tea for mommy wouldn't come in the way of becoming an engineer or a doctor,or even the Secretary of State when she grows up. I have played similar games, and so did many of my cousins and friends. None of them ended up being a trophy wife.



Hijacking is fine- feel free to as long as we are still talking about parenting. I would be very interested to know your views on Webkinz.</blockquote>


I guess that is sort of my point: that kind of play requires imagination and involvement with friends and family... the American Girl store replaces the imagination part with indoctrinated branding and consumerism and the friends and family part with staff members. It takes no effort on the child's part, a passive entertainment rather than an interactive use of their imagination.



As for Webkinz... I can see it's an interactive, simplistic version of The Sim's and probably has some redeeming value considering the role that the internet plays in social circles. But as with anything, only in moderation. And if my niece asked me for one, I'd pull out my trump card and tell her they don't sell them where I live ;)
 
My son's best friend (a five year old girl) is growing up in a very socially progressive family and her parents were adamantly opposed to dolls and all such things that are exclusively labeled "for girls", to the point that my son's friend never even wore dresses. Along came her 5th birthday party last March and all she wanted was a "princess" party. Her parents broke down and paid for the princess actress to come and entertain the little girls for the party (my son was the only boy invited). I just had to laugh a lot inside as I watched their daughter open up her presents, almost all of them were Barbie related. If they weren't Barbies, they were princess dresses, tiaras and little rhinestone shoes.
 
I wanted to post earlier when this post was first posted but I knew it will some how becoming a controversy.



I grew up in a background similar to Nude where family just make enough just to scrape by and the thought of spending several hundred dollars for a doll not only seem so wasteful for a doll and accessories is totally against my conscience.



Both my ex wife and my current wife participate in my daughter?s upbringings and both are against vanity dolls that emphasize provocative attire and unrealistic body figure. Kids are too young to have such exposure and there will be plenty of time in the future to develop the vanity part of their life. Dolls found on most stores such as Target and Wal-Mart featured garter belts, heels and thigh high boots. As much as an adult I found them to be sexy I agree with Nude this is the wrong message to be sent to little girls. Julia Roberts Pretty Women is another example that the blurred the fantasy fairytale from the exploitation of reality. Retailers stocked this DVD in the children section. Not all happy endings are Fairytale.



The issue here is age appropriate in term of products targeting children. Adults must not impose their own standard on children. Sex sells and it is bleeding in to the much younger consumer demographic. Children?s innocent lifespan is cutting shorter and shorter due to the media exposure channeled into our home by way of TV and computer. Porn was much harder to acquire when I was growing up as adolescent.



Many doll manufacturers are sending the wrong message to children that vanity is important and also looking pretty for Ken?s companionship and enjoyment. I see how the doll industry leaves a negative impression for the grown up consumers.



American Doll?s mission does exactly the opposite of my aforementioned statements. It never focused on the hour glass figure and the provocative attires. It focuses on the innocent nature of children. The doll manufacturer focused on its branding among the elite urban dwellers. Their consumers are educated parents living in the city with few children. It is strategic for American Dolls only having 3 locations to limit their targeted audience and maintaining their growth and quality in a manageable pace. Manhattan, Chicago and Los Angeles are their ideal target where family size is 2.3 among their consumers where parents can afford the hefty priced doll for their only daughter.



Household with fewer children girls need an imaginary friend and the doll fulfills that void. American Doll is expensive because the doll is made with exceptional high quality that sustains the everyday wear and tear and yet could last for many decades as an heirloom to the next generation unlike other porcelain dolls that must be kept in a curio cabinet. The doll has hair that allows kids to comb and braid. Girls learned the technique on the doll and apply hair technique on their own hair after practicing on the doll. There is extra hair embedded in the doll and the store has a hair salon where the girls take their dolls for hair trimming when hair is stretched unevenly after hours of play.



The dolls have different ethnicity and even children from interracial parents. It celebrates the diversities of different cultures. The stores have theme showcase windows depicting the historic era with period backdrops and furnishings. Children learned about history in a way they can relate to with their doll and not get bore. History is a very boring subject for children and they are excited to learn about the different eras from 1690-1950?s including the pilgrimage, revolution, independence, Indian war, European Immigration, Industrialization, Child labor, Great Depression, War time era, Women?s right to vote, Women in military and manufacturing, Color discrimination in the 50?s, and much more. Another interesting twist is the adaptation of stories in a single parent household or divorced family. The doll character is always strong and confident.





The accessories are never provocative and kept appropriate for the kids? age with theme clothing for everyday events such as picnic, swimming, taking a dog out on a walk, sleeping or going to school. Clothes for cultural events and holidays are also available for Chinese New Year, Christmas, St Patrick Day, July 4th, and etc. The quality is good and well stitched and fit properly but they are priced too high.



American Dolls besides its story books of doll characters based on historical events also publishes books for girls learning about puberty, self esteem, friendship, adolescence, health, personal hygiene, school, peer pressure, drugs, and study habit.



The LA American Doll took over the BK FAO Schwarz toy store in 2003 at the Grove in the Fairfax District. It is one of the top ten urban spaces in Southern CA. The Grove is the only successful project from Rick Caruso because of its location. He tried to duplicate the same formula in other places such as Glendale and Arcadia but the template does not work in the suburbs. The Grove was feng shui for good design and prosperity. Both the parking structure and the water fountain element were feng shui specific in their placement and location to optimize cross ventilation and temperature cooling in a hot city. I won?t go into specific details in this thead.



American Doll has a doll hospital for repair of broken arms, legs, and neck. The 17? doll was made to last a lifetime and parts are available for all movable joints. The lower level of the store has the salon, history books, and concierge order desks. The second level has the historic showcase exhibits, clothing accessories, portrait studio, 50+ dolls with different ethnicity and racial compositions, a restaurant where parents, kids, and doll can dine together. The food is up to par Momo standard.



Trendy toys come and go and children lose interest just like adults lose interest with trendy tract homes and chase after newer gimmicks like Nintendo DS or California Room. An American Doll is a childhood friend who filled the time of loneness for many families? only child. The doll participates in memorable events such as Birthday Tea Party or even a portrait with Mom, Dad and doll.



Yes all these come with a price due to branding and high overhead. For the memory of the little girls it is priceless. The doll will last a lifetime and will be a reminder of the good and memorable childhood time. After the little girls grow up the doll will likely be the only thing still in her possession.
 
[quote author="bkshopr" date=1258610974]

<span style="color: red;">Porn was much harder to acquire when I was growing up as adolescent. </span>

</blockquote>


I'm sure you managed to find it just fine. Or maybe you didn't and can now credit that for your wonderful imagination.
 
bk, you know I respect your knowledge and analysis. But Mattel's dedication to continuing the quality and spirit behind the original company lost out to a cynical capitalization on the desires of it's best customers. I have no doubt that the dolls themselves and the associated movies, books, and back story provide opportunities for enrichment and memories. But Mattel went farther than that, creating an environment that reinforces materialism and vanity, even if it's only on a subliminal level. What could be a pleasant visit to a retail store for a purchase (or even a cabbage patch-style "adoption") has been turned into a lifestyle indoctrination exercise.



Am I taking this too seriously? Maybe. I've had enough nature vs. nurture arguments to understand that the sexes are different biologically and that will inevitably reveal itself at some point as children grow up, but I also know that some fundamental views are created when children reach the age of imagination; reinforcing age-old stereotypes serves no good purpose. I'm not condemning the dolls or the idea behind them, just the idea of a "doll spa day" targeted at turning little girls into lifelong spa customers.
 
[quote author="childplease" date=1258612749][quote author="bkshopr" date=1258610974]

<span style="color: red;">Porn was much harder to acquire when I was growing up as adolescent. </span>

</blockquote>


I'm sure you managed to find it just fine. Or maybe you didn't and can now credit that for your wonderful imagination.</blockquote>


I know you don't have much of an imagination since you are spoiled by your parents. The only thing that was left during your childhood and adulthood imagination was a job.
 
<blockquote>I?m not condemning the dolls or the idea behind them, just the idea of a ?doll spa day? targeted at turning little girls into lifelong spa customers. </blockquote>


And what is wrong with going to a Spa on a regular basis ? Have you ever been to a Spa Mr. Nude ?



Come to think of it.

I dont see too many people in 1985 PickUp trucks pulling up to the Spa in Ojai very often.
 
[quote author="bltserv" date=1258614226]<blockquote>I?m not condemning the dolls or the idea behind them, just the idea of a ?doll spa day? targeted at turning little girls into lifelong spa customers. </blockquote>


And what is wrong with going to a Spa on a regular basis ? Have you ever been to a Spa Mr. Nude ?



Come to think of it.

I dont see too many people in 1985 PickUp trucks pulling up to the Spa in Ojai very often.</blockquote>


Is there a reason you are attacking me personally?
 
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