Posted on 10/14/2005 3:07:04 PM PDT by SmithL
New York -- American Girl, manufacturer of a highly popular line of dolls and children's books, has become the target of conservative activists threatening a boycott unless the toy maker cuts off contributions to a youth organization that supports abortion rights and acceptance of lesbians.
The protest is directed at an ongoing American Girl campaign in which proceeds from sales of a special "I Can" wristband help support educational and empowerment programs of Girls Inc., a national nonprofit organization which describes its mission as "inspiring girls to be strong, smart and bold."
American Girl, whose often patriotic products have long had a loyal following among conservatives, issued a statement Friday defending its support of Girls Inc. and assailing the protest campaign.
"We are profoundly disappointed that certain groups have chosen to misconstrue American Girl's purely altruistic efforts and turn them into a broader political statement on issues that we, as a corporation, have no position," the statement said.
The Mississippi-based American Family Association, in a campaign launched Wednesday, is urging its members to demand that American Girl halt support for Girls Inc., which it called "a pro-abortion, pro-lesbian advocacy group."
(Excerpt) Read more at sfgate.com ...
"The Mississippi-based American Family Association, in a campaign launched Wednesday, is urging its members to demand that American Girl halt support for Girls Inc., which it called "a pro-abortion, pro-lesbian advocacy group.""
Girls Inc. is the new name for Girls club of America. I think Don Wildmon has his prioroties screwed up.
I've always boycotted American Girl on economic principles. You could spend a thousand dollars on one doll and her accessories. I wonder what happens to outgrown dolls. I never see them at garage sales. Wrapped up as heirlooms? Sold on ebay?
I wonder what happens to outgrown dolls.
Unless movies have been lying to me all these years, they generally come to life and engage in killing sprees.
When I was a girl, I wished they made (female) dolls that came with guns and swords. I had to make weapons out of cardboard for my dolls so they could go on their commando raids.
Pro-Abortion?? Nonsense. Girls, Inc. emphasizes that fact that it is far healthier for women to PREVENT pregnancies rather than terminate them.
You are on a roll tonight aren't you?! Love it!
good one.
The original Pleasant Company was bought out by Mattel (think Barbie) about 5 years ago. I had been a fan of the American Girls Doll line, because they were wholesome, historical, sturdy, had really cool *conservative* kids clothes (made better than what I can buy at Abercrombie - even the doll clothes were made better!).
Once Mattel took over, the "cheapening" of everything was immediate...I felt as though this was glorified Barbie rather than the original intent of Pleasant. Over time, Mattel has added all kinds of liberal warm & fuzzy feel good crap to the catalogs. Fortunately, my daughters are a bit past the doll thing.
They should boycott Canada if they want to do something good.
Unless movies have been lying to me all these years, they generally come to life and engage in killing sprees.
I will never boycott American girls.
Me too! I actually had a "Bionic Woman" doll and loved her, simply because she wasn't a twittering idiot like Barbie.
My daughter, OTOH, has two American Girl dolls; one she got as a Christmas gift several years ago, the second she worked for the money and earned for herself. She plays carelessly with all her toys but those two are the exception. She loves them dearly and when we built our house, she asked for a special rack in her closet for their clothes.
Girls are forced to grow up fast. If she wants to play with these dolls, I'm going to encourage it as long as I can. Someday her daughter will inherit them and probably in nice condition.
I already sent AG a complaint email. I've no doubt I was the only one.
another day, another silly boycott....
We outgrew American Girl before it barbied. Some of the AG furniture cost more than our household furniture, but it's all packed away in the attic, awaiting the day when we have granddaughters.
The girls can't be any of those things if they were aborted by their mother!
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