I just read the article last night and couldn't believe how negative it was. I agree with Changeling - the history lesson is nice but what about all the pretend play/role playing that dolls teach little girls? It gets about 2 sentences of mention out of 3 pages. I was sooo angry when I read this article. Instead they write drivel like:
Because of the emotional bond formed between children and their dolls, wise parents will take seriously the influence dolls may have on their child's development. For example, some charge that the physical appearance and the endless wardrobe of certain dolls may have a harmful effect on girls. One critic claims that such dolls can corrupt "young girls with shallow messages that promote style over substance."
I, personally, never really thought that I'd look like Barbie when I grew up. do little girls really think they are going to have flawless hair and makeup and perfect figures? Now girls can't even pretend! I played with a Barbie when I was a kid and I loved the fact that I could dress her up in short skirts or gowns or whatever. The message from the article funnily enough sounds like, "Attention moms and daughters, you can't dress this way so your dolls shouldn't either. Keep those dolls in line and don't let Barbie go shopping too much or she'll get materialistic!"