Thanks, Barbie, For Introducing Tattoos to Young Girls

By Crystal Arcand on September 10th, 2009

• Share
• Link to StumbleUpon
• 1 Comment

I’ve never been a big Barbie fan, what with all the top-heavy disproportionate measurements and all. But last week as I walked down the Barbie aisle in my local Walmart, I became a definite anti-Barbie-ite. Yeah, Barbie says, “I can do it!” with the Doctor Barbie, Vet Barbie, and Teacher Barbie sets. But what is she saying with the Totally Stylin’ Tattoos set complete with Ken tramp stamp?

There’s a reason the law says you have to either be an adult or have parental consent to get a tattoo – it’s a life-changing decision that shouldn’t be made lightly. Yet Mattel promotes tattoos to girls as young as five with a doll set complete with tattoos for Barbie and for your child. Oh, and don’t forget the handy-dandy tattoo stamping tool! Your child can tattoo her doll, herself, or her friend quickly, easily, and simply – anywhere on her body. Arm? “Perfect!” exclaims the girl in the commercial. Cheek? No problem at all, from the proud grin of the girl with a tat on her cheekbone. They just wash off when you’re done with them, right?

Yeah, these do. But are you ready to discuss the permanence of a real tattoo with your six- or eight-year-old, or have a ten-year debate about it? How about the ten years of worry about if your child will attempt a tattoo without your permission? Once it’s done, it’s done, and according to patients, tattoo removal is more painful than getting a tattoo in the first place. Of course I realize that my children may one day want a tattoo without ever seeing the Totally Stylin’ Tattoos Barbie. But I also realize I don’t need Barbie’s help to bring up the debate. And my kids don’t need Barbie to “express themselves and be creative.” That’s what paper and crayons are for.

Just another reason this mom isn’t a Barbie girl.