Hey there! American Girl dolls aren’t just toys; they’re companions, storytellers, and sometimes, agents of controversy. But why all the fuss? Well, buckle up as we explore the reasons behind the controversies that have surrounded these iconic dolls.
You see, American Girl dolls aren’t just plastic figurines; they’re representations of real-life issues, historical moments, and diverse identities. And when you’re dealing with topics like race, gender, and social justice, you’re bound to stir up some strong emotions and spark intense debates.
From the decision to discontinue beloved characters to the portrayal of sensitive topics like slavery and homelessness, American Girl has never shied away from addressing complex issues. And while some applaud their efforts to educate and empower young minds, others criticize them for overstepping boundaries or not going far enough.
9 American Girl Doll Controversies
Below is a comprehensive list of nine controversies surrounding American Girl dolls. Let’s explore the significance of these issues and their impact on discussions surrounding representation, diversity, and social issues in children’s literature.
1. Marisol Luna
Marisol’s character was a proud representation of the Chicano Mexican community of Pilsen, Chicago, but her arrival was met with mixed reactions, including a controversy.
Marisol Luna’s storyline was meant to celebrate the rich culture and heritage of the Chicano Mexican community, shining a spotlight on the vibrant traditions and customs of Pilsen. However, it was a passage in her accompanying book that ignited the controversy. In one chapter, Marisol expresses her desire to leave Pilsen for the suburbs, describing her neighborhood as “dangerous” and lacking in places to play.
This portrayal of Pilsen as a troubled and unsafe community drew sharp criticism from their residents, who felt that it perpetuated negative stereotypes and misrepresented their neighborhood. Physical protests erupted outside American Girl stores in Chicago, with demonstrators demanding that the company retract Marisol’s storyline and issue an apology.
2. Addy Walker
Addy Walker made her debut as the first Black American Girl doll, breaking new ground in representation and diversity.
Her storyline follows her journey from enslavement in the South to freedom in the North, shedding light on the harsh realities of slavery and the struggles faced by African Americans during that tumultuous period in history.
While Addy’s character was initially celebrated for its authenticity and educational value, her portrayal of slavery has come under scrutiny.
Some have questioned whether introducing a doll that deals with such a heavy topic is appropriate for young children, while others have praised American Girl for not shying away from difficult subjects.
Despite the controversies that have surrounded Addy’s representation of slavery, there’s no denying the impact that she has had on generations of young readers. Through her story, children have been introduced to concepts of freedom, justice, and equality, sparking important conversations about history and social justice.
And in a world where history is often whitewashed and sanitized, Addy Walker’s presence is a reminder that some stories cannot and should not be forgotten.
See also: 6 Best American Girl Dolls With Curly Hair
3. It’s your job to be you” Book Backlash
American Girl, a pioneer in children’s literature, faced backlash with the release of a book challenging gender identity norms. Titled “It’s your job to be you,” the book addressed gender identity explicitly for the first time.
The book aimed to promote inclusion and acceptance by encouraging readers to embrace their unique identities and celebrate diversity.
Critics argued that the book sent a message to girls that they may not be good enough as they are, and suggested that supporting trans young people equated to forcing children to undergo irreversible changes to their bodies. They seized on the book’s content to perpetuate the anti-LGBTQ+ rights talking point that support for trans youth is equivalent to forcing children to medically transition without their consent.
In response to the backlash, American Girl emphasized its commitment to providing resources that empower children to embrace their authentic selves while respecting every family’s choice about what values they want to uphold.
4. American Girl with Permanent underwear controversy
The decision to incorporate permanently stitched panties on contemporary dolls and select BeForever character dolls, including Maryellen, Melody, and Julie, sparked a wave of backlash from fans and collectors.
Public reaction to the permanent underwear was overwhelmingly negative, with many fans expressing disappointment. Critics argued that the addition of permanent underwear stifled customization and devalued the brand’s reputation.
While the addition of permanent underwear may have been intended to address concerns about modesty and promote body positivity, it ultimately alienated a segment of the company’s loyal fan base who cherished the ability to personalize and customize their dolls.
In May 2017, American Girl reversed its decision in response to the outcry, announcing that any existing or upcoming dolls from the affected lines would revert to the old body design.
5. Cecile Rey and Ivy Ling
Characters of American Girl dolls come and go, each leaving their mark on the hearts of fans. However, the departure of Cecile Rey and Ivy Ling was more than just a routine farewell; it sparked a wave of controversy that rippled through the doll community.
Cecile and Ivy, though not typically paired together, found themselves united in controversy when American Girl announced their discontinuation in May 2014. The decision wasn’t met with uproar because the dolls were being produced—it was the abrupt end to their stories that stirred emotions and ignited debates.
The announcement came as part of American Girl’s plan to phase out the Best Friends line, which included not only Cecile and Ivy but also Ruthie and Marie-Grace. However, Cecile and Ivy’s discontinuation carried deeper significance. Cecile was one of only two African American historical dolls available at the time, and Ivy was (and remains) the only Asian American historical doll ever released by the company.
The public, along with advocates for Asian American representation, pushed back against the retirements, citing concerns about diversity and inclusion. Cecile and Ivy represented important facets of American history and culture, and their removal from the lineup raised questions about the company’s commitment to representing marginalized communities.
Despite the outcry, American Girl proceeded with the discontinuation of Cecile and Ivy. Since their retirement, the company has released five more African American characters and two additional Asian American characters. However, it’s worth noting that these newer additions are modern dolls, and there has yet to be another Asian American historical doll released since Ivy.
6. Gwen Thompson
In 2009, American Girl introduced Gwen Thompson as a friend doll to the Girl of the Year, Chrissa Maxwell. Gwen’s story was meant to shed light on the issue of homelessness, but her portrayal sparked a wave of controversy that challenged the boundaries of children’s literature and societal perceptions.
Gwen Thompson wasn’t just any doll; she was a character living in a homeless shelter during Chrissa’s storyline. Her journey resonated with many readers, highlighting the struggles faced by families experiencing homelessness and promoting empathy and understanding among young audiences.
However, it wasn’t long before Gwen’s representation of homelessness came under scrutiny. Critics argued that her story was too heavy-handed for a children’s toy, with some dubbing her the “$95 Homeless Doll.” The price tag attached to Gwen’s doll raised eyebrows, leading to accusations of exploitation and sensationalism.
Furthermore, Gwen’s storyline, which included living in her mother’s car at one point, was seen by some as overly dramatic and potentially distressing for young readers. Concerns were raised about the appropriateness of introducing such heavy topics to children through a toy marketed to girls as young as eight years old.
7. Body Image American Girl Book Controversy
American Girl has long been revered for its thoughtful and empowering storytelling. However, there was a book embroiled in controvers, namely Body Image.
The book in question, aimed at young girls, purported to offer guidance on loving oneself, staying confident through bodily changes, and appreciating the body for the life it enables. While these themes may seem innocuous at first glance, it was the book’s approach to addressing body image issues that sparked outrage and condemnation from concerned parents and conservative groups.
Critics took issue with the book’s purported promotion of puberty-blocking medications and transgender support without parental consent. The book reportedly advised children struggling with body image issues to seek out medical interventions such as puberty blockers and to reach out to transgender support organizations, all without the involvement or consent of trusted adults.
Furthermore, some accused American Girl of pushing a particular agenda—namely, promoting transgender ideology—under the guise of promoting body positivity and self-acceptance.
In response to the backlash, American Girl defended the book, stating that it was intended to provide factually correct information and support for girls navigating the challenges of adolescence. The company emphasized its commitment to providing resources that empower girls to make informed choices about their bodies and identities.
8. Kaya Face Mold Controversy
American Girl, revered for its diverse range of dolls, faced criticism with the introduction of the Kaya face mold to its Create Your Own line. This decision raised eyebrows among collectors and fans, sparking a debate over representation and cultural sensitivity.
At first, it seemed that the Kaya face mold would only be available with short-haired options, typically associated with male characters. This choice stirred controversy, as it played into harmful stereotypes of Native American women being less feminine than those of European descent.
Additionally, the limited options for pairing the Kaya mold with short hair placed constraints on creating male Native American characters, as long hair is an important cultural symbol for many Indigenous peoples.
Critics argued that using the Kaya face mold for male characters perpetuated harmful stereotypes and undermined the cultural of long hair in Native American communities. They urged the American Girl manufacturer to recognize and respect the diverse identities and traditions of Indigenous peoples.
While American Girl eventually expanded the hair options for the Kaya face mold to include choices for long hair.
9. Kira Bailey
In 2021, American Girl introduced Kira Bailey as the Girl of the Year, a character who captured the hearts of many with her love for animals and her adventurous spirit. However, it wasn’t just Kira’s passion for wildlife that made headlines—it was her family background, specifically her same-sex aunts, that stirred up a storm of controversy.
Kira’s backstory revealed that her aunt Mamie had been in a relationship with another woman named Lynette, and they married once same-sex marriage became legal in Australia. While this aspect of Kira’s storyline was celebrated by many as a step towards LGBTQ+ representation in children’s media, it also drew the ire of conservative groups, most notably One Million Moms.
One Million Moms, a conservative organization known for its advocacy against LGBTQ+ representation in media targeted Kira’s books, petitioning for the retirement of the Kira doll and books. Their opposition stemmed from their belief that same-sex relationships should not be depicted in children’s literature, especially in a product aimed at young girls.
The controversies surrounding American Girl dolls have highlighted the complexities and challenges inherent in representing diverse experiences and addressing sensitive topics in children’s literature. From issues of race and ethnicity to gender identity and body image, each controversy serves as a reminder of the importance of representation, inclusivity, and empathy in children’s literature. By listening to feedback and embracing diversity, American Girl can continue to inspire and empower generations of young readers for years to come.
