Barbie McDonalds Drive-Thru Play Set

What Is It?

It's a Barbie accessory which of course is a tie-in with McDonalds.  Not so sure Barbie can stay that thin while eating that much grease.

What Happened?

No it wasn't Barbie getting fat...it was outrage from Parents because this set was teaching their Children how to work for minimum wage.

Aftermath?

It was a limited playset from what I can gather...other than a few angry letters I don't think anything happened.

Links:

http://randomthoughts.club/youtube.php?video=SFM2P6R6Ro4

Teen Talk Barbie

What Is It?

It's a Barbie doll that says many things.

What Happened?

This was a controversial doll because of one of the things she says which is "Math class is tough!" which in many Parent's opinions encourages Girls to suck at math.  Barbie also says a bunch of other fluffy things like "Will we ever have enough clothes?" and so forth.  It was called out for enforcing negative stereotypes about Women.

Aftermath?

The offensive phrase was removed from the doll's vocab

Links:

http://www.nytimes.com/1992/10/21/business/company-news-mattel-says-it-erred-teen-talk-barbie-turns-silent-on-math.html

Pregnant Midge Doll

What Is It?

Midge is one of Barbie's Besties...and she's knocked up! 

What Happened?

Parents were outraged because Midge has no known Husband...or even Boyfriend for that matter.  Who is the Baby's Father?  It seems silly that Folks would be upset about this...but it's true.  That and Parents felt that Midge was too young to be having babies (what is the year a doll is allowed?).

Aftermath?

Just controversy, I don't believe any changes were made to this doll but I do believe they are out of print.

Links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midge_(Barbie)

My Sweet Love / My Sweet Baby Cuddle Care Doll

What Is It?

They are baby dolls sold by Walmart.

What Happened?

The electronic circuits in their chests overheat causing a burn hazard (at least 12 cases of burnt Children reported).

Aftermath?

There was a recall issued in 2014 for these dolls.

Links:

http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2014/Wal-Mart-Recalls-Dolls/

http://www.messalaw.com/personal-injury-attorneys-wal-mart-doll-recalled/#top

Ciotka Kena (Barbie...Ken's Aunt)

What Is It?

These dolls were created by Polish artist Zbigniew Libera.  The name "Ciotka Kena" translates literally to "Ken's Aunt".  These dolls are made to be plus sized and in modest lingere.

What Happened?

As this was an art project...only a handful were made so nothing really happened.

Aftermath:

As this was a limited creation nothing has happened except some controversy.

Links:

http://www.judgmentofparis.com/board/showthread.php?t=1920

Hugo Doll

What Is It?

It's a doll from Kenner and Alan Ormsby (a horror movie director) that was released in 1975.  Hugo comes naked faced, then you can add accessories as he is according to the box "Man of a thousand faces".

What Happened?

Egads, likely many sleepless nights...imagine this thing staring at you.  He even came with a band-aid with fake blood on it!

Aftermath?

Unfortunately they were only made a short while, and are now a sought after collectible. 

Links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugo:_Man_of_a_Thousand_Faces

Cuddle With Me Doll

 

 

What Is It?

 

It's a doll that was sold at Costco called "Cuddle With Me".  It featured an African-American child with a stuffed monkey wearing a hat that says "Lil' Monkey" on it.

 

What Happened?

 

A large outcry from the community as it is extremely racially insensitive.

 

Aftermath?

 



Costco pulled these dolls off of the shelves and offered an apology.  The "Cuddle With Me" dolls were reissued with pandas instead.

Links:

http://www.snopes.com/racial/business/cuddlewithme.asp

Spanish Barbie

What Is It?

In 1999 Mattel decided to release Spanish Barbie as a part of their dolls of the world collection.

What Happened?

Having their Spanish Barbie as a Matador (which is generally what is worn while they kill bulls for sport) was offensive and a negative stereotype.  Even Alicia Silverstone wrote in a letter complaining about this doll.

Aftermath?

The doll was banned, so the public outcry worked!

Links:

http://www.burlingamepezmuseum.com/bannedtoy/

Baby Laugh-A-Lot

What Is It?

It's a laughing doll for Children to play with

What Happened?

Somehow the doll sounds purely evil...it has the most frightening face and laugh...particularly if you've heard this doll laugh with worn down batteries eep!  I'll include the commercial for this doll which I'm sure gave many a Child nightmares.

Baby Laugh-A-Lot laughing

Aftermath?

There isn't really much info about this doll online, just a bunch of videos of it in various frightening states.

Links:

http://www.smosh.com/smosh-pit/articles/10-dolls-you-wont-want-christmas-0

You Can Shave The Baby

What Is It?

Polish Artist Zbigniew Libera created this doll as an art project (only about 10 were made)

What Happened?

Well if you just simply look at the box and the baby...one likely to get the heebie jeebies.  Shaving a baby?  For fun?  It even has a hairy bum.

Aftermath?

Since only a few were made for the sake of art, it's more a famous internet picture than anything.

Links:

http://learning2share.blogspot.com/2010/02/some-facts-behind-you-can-shave-baby.html

Little Miss No Name Doll

What Is It?

In 1965 Hasbro decided to market a different sort of doll that offers nothing but a potato sack dress, giant souless eyes with a tear, and an outreached hand.

What Happened?

Little Miss No Name doll was not very popular at all...just controversial.  As it turned out, Children did not want to play with a homeless doll asking for change (everybody knows Kids are broke anyhow).  It's just a creepy looking doll...and heck is it a good idea to teach children to play with dolls that appear to have been possessed by Satan?

Aftermath?

I believe these were not made for very long due to the lack of demand. 

Links:

http://www.toys.pop-cult.com/little-miss-no-name.html

The Birds Barbie

What Is It?

Barbie made a doll of Tippi Hedren's character Melanie from the Alfred Hitchcock film The Birds.

What Happened?

Well having children play with a Barbie that features birds pecking at her (she doesn't look very afraid though) was rather controversial.  This does say PG-13 I believe on the doll, but let's face it...Kids see Barbie...Kids want to play with Barbie.  Alfred Hitchcock + impressional youth = angry Parents (though I'm not sure it would exactly influence Kids to perpetrate bird attacks on people).

Aftermath?

It was a limited edition Barbie in 2008, so it was only made briefly

Links:

http://www.barbiecollector.com/shop/doll/alfred-hitchcocks-birds-barbie-doll-l9633

Ondine Swimming Dolls

 

 

What Is It?

 

These are French dolls from the mid/late 1800s that have a wind-up key on their stomachs.  When turned, the dolls moved their arms and legs, they were thought to have actually had the ability to swim.

 

What Happened?

 

Think about this for a moment...the horror of one of these twisted and creepy as heck things swimming at you...I'd run! 

 

Aftermath?

 

None that I know of, in fact these are probably creepier now to see because the age makes them more disturbing.

 

Links:

 

http://jamesdjulia.com/item/3128-364/

Pole Dancer Doll

What Is It?

It's a doll that comes with her own little platform, stripper pole and even disco ball.

What Happened?

Somehow the notion of a doll that dances on a pole that yes....was marketed and intended for children was less than well received.

Aftermath?

Not really sure what happened here or why...just that Parents aren't super happy about this.  I believe this product was sold in Asia somewhere.

Links:

http://gizmodo.com/5348675/pole-dancer-doll-doesnt-really-set-the-perfect-role-model

Polly Pockets

What Is It?

Polly Pockets were little dolls that came in cases that would fit into pockets...hence the name.

What Happened?

Polly's clothes are changable....because they are magnetic.  The magnets would fall out, and yes...once again another case of children swallowing magnets with the potential to reconnect inside your stomach causing one heck of a mess.

Aftermath?

In 1996 4.4 Million of these little dolls were recalled, and newer models wer emade bigger and more rubbery.

Links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polly_Pocket

Baby's First Baby

What Is It?

Artist Darren Cullen created this doll likely as a statement about Kids getting pregnant very young.

What Happened?

Well although it never hit the shelves it did cause controversy...I mean a pregnant Baby...who's Baby is pregnant?  The doll boasts real stretch marks, and it claims it's water actually breaks. 

Aftermath?

None as it was an art project, but it sure as heck looks like a real toy...I'm sure Parents everywhere have had a sigh of relief knowing this won't be at Toys 'R Us this Christmas

Links:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2217123/Would-buy-daughter-Artist-creates-disturbing-PREGNANT-BABY-doll-complete-pregnant-foetus-dont-worry-wont-hitting-shops.html

Dora Aquapet

What Is It?

It appears to be Dora The Explorer in a tube or shaft of some kind.  Aquapets apparently sing and respond to the sound of Children's voices and noises in general.

What Happened? 

Well this one is all about appearances, it should only take a glance to see why there was controversy here...and I should mention that it takes batteries too

Aftermath?

Well it was a limited edition toy so I don't think anything much happened.  I think it was more of a giggle situation.

Link:

http://www.ubergizmo.com/2006/11/dora-aquapet-hits-amazon/

Growing Up Skipper

What Is This?

In the 1975 Mattel decided it would be a good idea to have Barbie's Kid sister Skipper advance a little in age.

What Happened?

Well the controversy was that this doll starts out as a young girl...then you crank her arm and she gets taller...and grows bigger breasts...and claims to be twice as much fun.

Aftermath?

No consequences, only remodelled Skipper doll by 1979 and the figure has continually changed over the years.

Links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skipper_%28Barbie%29

Oreo Barbie

What Is It?

In 1997 Mattel and Nabisco decided to do a tie in Barbie doll with an Oreo theme.

What Happened?

Well, they released Oreo Barbie as both a white doll and an African-American doll which created public outcry due to the fact that the word "Oreo" is apparently a racist term that means black on the outside, white on the inside (news to me). 

Aftermath?

Apparently the doll was quite unsuccessful, so they just pulled the remaining stock and now the dolls go for a pretty penny if found.

Links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbie

Bebe Gloton Doll

What Is It?

It's a Baby Doll that is designed to teach Kids how to breast feed.

What Happened?

If you've read the first sentence, I reckon you have a pretty good idea why this doll was controversial.  Parents were very outraged at the idea of their Children wearing plastic halter tops with flowers over the nipples that the doll sucked on. 

Aftermath?

The doll is still sold in Spain, despite many angry Adults nothing was done about this.

Links:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1204486/Meet-Bebe-Gloton-breast-feeding-doll-comes-nipple-bra.html