Those who condemn the fashion industry as promoting eating disorders amoung young girls must really be miffed at this. The world's first Barbie store offers make-overs and manicures to girls as young as 3. They can even try on Barbie branded clothing and strut them down a mini-runway.

Innocent fun or a loss of innocence? I can't quite decide. Read the whole article, "Are girls growing up too fast?" and tell us what you think?



Source.

Post Last Updated:19.11.2007 at 20.31

I didnt think barbie was that big anymore. I thaught Bratz was outselling her 3 to 1. I think its sorta sick, but sorta camp. But next time they blame Britney for girls wearings trashy clothes, they should look at what myscene barbie is wearing these days.

Also i see a new generation of demanding stuck up little snots forming, and this will just add to it. geezz, harsh!

this is a little ridculous. make overs? ok manicures are ok.. i used to love nailpolish when i was little and mom only let me wear it on special occassions, but a make-overs imply that somebody is dressing/looking "wrong" which is pretty bad for a FOUR YEAR OLD!!! we used to put on little fasion parades when we were young too... for our moms, so i guess this is taking playing dress ups a little further.. still not sure about the make-overs though. I guess they are doing it to add some fun to clothes shopping for kids- make it a bit special to go there, thinking back we loved dress ups and all that, used to wear moms makeup and jewelery, but i wasnt a snotty little kid!

im split on this one...

i think this is a whole lot of fun! so long as they have spas in there for mothers too i can so imagine this being my favourite joint with my daughter if i was a mum hahahahahah

xx

Post Last Updated:20.11.2007 at 01.47

Post by ruru

im split on this one...

I'm split too Ruru! I see your point about it being fun and special as a kid, but that's my point - I think there's a differnce between trying on your Mum's clothes and going to a store where they will market to you and create a desire to buy things (which at the age of 3-8 is a bit much?) So yeah, don't know.

I'm all for dressing up in 'grown-up clothes' at a young age and I used to sneak into my mum's make-up bag when I was little and I'm sure I'm not alone. However, when this type of fun and mucking around turns into adult marketing towards 3-8 year olds it's a different story; it's turning these children into active consumers (those who actually have the make-up and clothing for their own use).

Also, think of the advertising and marketing towards these little girls (not to mention the mini-runway); most likely pretty little girls having fun and playing with make-up, probably older girls of 12 who have a naturally young look. It's promoting a physical self awareness at too young an age which can lead to decreased self-esteem; at this young age, children are like sponges, taking every bit of information in and messages and ideas can be established here which can influence the direction of your whole life.

Three is far too young for this sort of product consumerism; eight should be the minimum age, not the cut-off.

Courtenay xoxox.