Malia And Sasha Dolls:Obama Girls Dolls – The first Lady Michelle Obama is upset about two new dolls that share the same names as her daughters, Sasha and Malia, ages 7 and 10.
Ty the company famous for creating Beanie Babies released two 12-inch “Sweet Sasha” and “Marvelous Malia” dolls as part of its TyGirlz collection but has denied being inspired by the first daughters.
The First Lady’s press secretary, Katie McCormick Lelyveld, said in a statement:
“We believe it is inappropriate to use young, private citizens for marketing purposes.”
You can watch a clip on the matter below.
Our culture really needs to mature or evolve past defining itself by the pursuit of wealth.
I agree. The makers of the new dolls should have contacted the Obamas or their representatives first. It’s so obvious where the inspiration came from. Even if it did not, which I seriously doubt, these are the President’s children, and care must be taken for their overall safety/well being. As sweet an idea as it may have seemed, it’s not appropriate if the Obama’s aren’t comfortable with it. I’m not comfortable with it, and I’m just a citizen! I have no problem with people getting inspired and trying to make a living, but let’s be respectful of the private lives of the first children. As a country, we have gotten much too comfortable with over-personalizing the presidents of the United States. It would be nice to see more ethnicity in childrens’ toys / films, but name them after your own kids, please!
I sent for one of the dolls for my 17 yr daughter for a valentine gift.