Hate through toys....

No doubt Bill Maher would not approve but I have a sizable doll collection. Can't help it. It started small and just took on a life of it's own. Though I have no American Girl dolls, the concept has always garnered my support. Kids can learn about other times in history and other cultures all from the perspective of a young girl about their age. The concept is one that not only generates lots of money for Mattel but also educates. (Mattel purchased the company from the originators a few years ago.)
NOW, the Catholic Church and some conservative groups want American Girl dolls boycotted. Give me a break. Maybe the church should be rooting out child molesters living, literally, right under their noses and the conservative groups might be better served promoting the adoption of unwanted children already living in this world and leave dolls out of it.

The following story prompts me to dig out my AG catalog and place an order! Hate through toys...

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Catholic School Cancels 'American Girl' Fashion Show


MILWAUKEE (Oct. 31) - A Roman Catholic school is canceling a fashion show by the manufacturer of American Girl dolls and books amid conservative groups' criticism of a girls organization that receives support from the company.

Some conservative groups are wary of American Girl's support of Girls, Inc. -- a female empowerment and education nonprofit that, these groups say, supports lesbianism and abortion.

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St. Luke School in Brookfield notified its parents of the decision through bulletins at Masses over the weekend.

Two national groups - the Pro-Life Action League in Chicago and the American Family Association in Tupelo, Miss. - have raised questions about the American Girl brand and its parent company, Mattel Inc., because of the company's fund-raising for Girls Inc., formerly known as Girls Clubs of America.


The American Family Association has called Girls Inc. "a pro-abortion, pro-lesbian advocacy group." Girls Inc., which has more than 1,500 centers across the country, says it provides a variety of programs to educate and encourage girls and does accept lesbian sexual orientation. Alexander Kopelman, director of communications, said it does not include abortion in its programming, though it does not control what leaders say if girls ask about it.

Money raised through ticket and raffle sales at the planned fashion show was to go toward a new playground and a refurbished library at St. Luke School.

"It's a bargain we'll just have to pass up," wrote Frank Malloy, St. Luke pastor. "The cost is too high. Our integrity isn't for sale."

American Girl spokeswoman Julie Parks said no other groups have canceled because of the issue, and the company said some groups "have chosen to misconstrue American Girl's purely altruistic efforts." The fashion shows include the company's popular historic dolls being carried by girls who dress up in the same outfits.
10/31/05 14:25 EST

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