God's Girlz

Broadsides regulars -- and how I love you all -- know that I am not big on organized religion, partly because much of it is based superstition and most of it is about keeping women down. But, every once in a while, a Christian^TM concept comes along that I think is worthy of note.

That once in a while came along today, in this news release. I added the links:

‘God’s Girlz’ Doll Line a Wholesome Alternative for Girls

BERRYVILLE, Ark. (October 13, 2009) – Research compiled by the leading producer of Christian-themed apparel in the United States continues to reveal that mothers feel uncomfortable with the risqué fashions and body shapes that many fashion dolls display.  As a result, Kerusso (www.kerusso.com) has expanded its 12-inch fashion doll line with the newest figure named “Imani,” meaning “faith.” 

The Imani fashion doll joins Kerusso’s best-selling line, which includes other fashion dolls, “Sarah,” “Abigail” and “Hannah.” Imani is a beautiful, African-American young lady that girls will identify with in a very positive, godly way.

“As a faith-based company, we feel we will make a positive contribution to the little girls of this generation with modest, yet fashionable, contemporary fashion dolls with positive virtues,” said Vic Kennett, Kerusso president and chief executive officer (PDF).

Lori Carter, Kerusso vice president of creative development said, “We heard from moms and their daughters who told us the God’s Girlz fashion doll line contributes to their faith.  The God’s Girlz line is packed with inspirational content designed to promote faith-encouraging play.”

Now, apart from the "faith-encouraging play'' part -- what? do they dress up to go to church? -- what's not to like about fashion dolls who don't look like they're auditioning to be pole dancers at the local strip club?

I went all over (the very slow-loading) Kerusso site and was not only happy to find that the Ts are pretty cool -- if you buy into that Christian messaging thing -- but also, apart from a PDF about Christian voting patterns, absolutely no mention of abortion, gay rights or any of the usual Christian Right obsessions.

Which makes Kennett more astute a businessman that I had first thought.

And here I was, all ready to mock the dolls.

Okay, so I will mock the Praise Ponys, named Faith, Love and Hope.

Not sure where they fit into God's scheme.

Behold a Palin horse? The four Praise Ponys of the Apocalypse?

Comments

[GregOB]

It's not just moms that don't like those gawdawful Bratz and other dolls of their ilk (to say nothing of the clothing marketed to pre-teen girls!). I've warned everyone I know my daughter is not to get one of those dolls as a gift, because it will be tossed.

[Antonia]

Hey Greg,

In fact, if you click on ''pole dancers'' you'll link to a complaining dad.

[...pat.]

Faith, Love, and Hope... where the heck is Charity? It's supposed to be Charity, not just Love. I suppose that doesn't fit with the "wealth theology" of some types.

[Michael Wright]

Why the constant attacks on Christianity and Christian themes, Ms. Zirbisias. It's ironic that nowhere are a woman's freedoms so protected than in The West - a culture founded on Judeo-Christian doctrine. Try writing a similar article in a Muslim country criticizing a Muslim-themed product. You'd receive more for your efforts than a mere rebuttal e-mail from a Christian.

[The Stygian and his Shemitish Dogs]

Pat Pet,

"Hope... where the heck is Charity?"

blame the Obamas. Maybe they're changing it gradually ...

next year it might be "Faith, Hope, and Change...."

"doesn't fit with the "wealth theology" of some types."

oh, and don't be such an economic illiterate. To maintain charity you NEED wealth ... and therefore it might be an idea not to lose sight of ... creating some?