Doll manufacturers increasingly hip to multi-culturalism

The doll is a fascinating cultural artifact, a "companion" forged in our own, human image. I visited stores to bring you a rundown of the hottest dolls on the market. Many are made to entertain childish whims, while others are available to satisfy "mature tastes." All the dolls I describe here are real and on the market for retail sale. Before I go on, I would like to take a moment to tip my hat to doll-makers everywhere. Their products afford us a unique opportunity for self-reflection.

Becky: ($19.99)

She's the latest doll from the makers of Barbie, a physically disabled co-ed who comes with a wheelchair. Becky is coyly clad, and just as "shapely" as Barbie herself. Becky has created considerable controversy, as interest groups complain that the "shape liness" of her legs misrepresents the weaker lower-body common to wheelchair users. But then, Barbie never has been made to look "average." On the contrary, she has always been exceptionally endowed. Somehow, when you're plastic, it's easy to keep large, firm breasts and low body fat.

Target market:

Manufacturers hope Becky will be popular not only among children with physical disabilities, but also among parents who wish to teach their children to be inclusive of disabled people.

Unfortunately, Becky's creators neglected the issue of wheelchair accessibility. She is unable to fit through the doorway of Barbie's Dream House. This is problematic and we must ensure that Becky assimilates to the mainstream of Barbie's society. Clearly , the accessibility issue must be addressed by the community at large.

Three generations of Barbie dolls live in a world unsuited to Becky's needs.

Who should bear the cost of making Barbie's accessories (houses, vehicles, etc.) wheelchair friendly? Becky herself? Ken, the breadwinner? Lawsuit is written all over this doll!

Hercules: ($16.99)

This new doll from Disney is aimed at another niche in the market. He is a voracious and stalwart warrior with ripped abs.

Target market:

Unfortunately, Hercules has been caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. He's a Disney doll, and Southern Baptists have called for a mass boycott of all Disney products. They say Disney is "gay-friendly," and that is inexcusable.

It looks as though Hercules will fall martyr to the American culture wars. Of course, Disney could always take one last swing at winning back the fanatical Religious Right by recalling Hercules and turning him into a 'gay-basher' doll. He looks mean enoug h.

Guys and Dolls:

Billy the Gay Doll ($49.95):

Like Hercules, Billy is also advertised as having "ripped abs." That's not all. Billy possesses that je ne sais quoi that makes men fall at his feet. His creators call him, "everyone's little dream guy." Billy comes in four different outfits, one of whi ch features leather pants and a biker hat.

Target market:

Some of you will recall a children's song from the musical "Free to be you and me," which told the story of William, the little boy who liked to play with dolls . not that there's anything wrong with that. Now the manufacturers recognize that even grown- up men often like dolls, so they've made Billy. He's "out," and especially for gay men.

Latin Lovergirl Doll (Circa $250)

This full-sized blowup love doll is copper toned with chestnut eyes and pouty lips. Buxom Lovergirl is built to please men of a different persuasion than those who might opt for Billy. She's shockingly anatomically correct. The store attendant even jokes, "Just don't knock her up!"

The Latin Lovergirl is bilingual. She can be programmed to whisper sweet nothings in Spanish or English.

Target market:

The NAFTA-savvy business man. Lovergirl supports up to 275 lbs. Anyone exceeding this weight limit must, of course, stay on the bottom. We might anticipate some political reaction from big and tall men who feel that doll manufacturers ignore their needs.

The Love Ewe (Circa 25$)

This doll is not created in a human's image. Instead, it is created in the image of the shepherd's prized companion. Again, the Love Ewe is an anatomically correct doll for mature tastes of yet another "persuasion." Let's just say that the this doll gives 'animal husbandry' a whole new significance. The Love Ewe comes in white only, although the attendant told me black sheep could be made to order.

Target market: Rural.

Space constraints limit my doll survey to this modest cross-section. Nevertheless, I believe it attests to the diversity of today's doll world. There are countless other dolls in the avant-garde which I have not been able to include here. They come in eve ry shape, color and ethnicity. Maybe you never did much thinking about dolls. Consider, however, that doll-manufacturers spend a lot of their time thinking about you. Imagine today's culturally diverse dollhouse, full of strange bed-fellows.

Josh Schneyer is a non-degree seeking graduate student.