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| Two organizations are boycotting American Girl dolls because the maker donated money to an organization that supports girls, including accepting their sexual orientation. |
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HOME > VIEWPOINT > ACTION! ALERT
By: ANDREW KEEGAN
COMMENTS |
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The maker of a popular series
of children’s dolls “condones lesbianism” by backing a non-profit group’s campaign to bolster girls’ self-esteem, according to two conservative groups calling for a boycott of the American Girl Company.
The Pro-Life Action League and American Family Association launched the boycott Nov. 1 against American Girl, makers of eight diverse, 18-inch dolls based on nine-year-old fictional heroines who lived during different times in America’s past.
The boycott was in response to the toy company’s “I Can” campaign, which was announced in August and began Sept. 19. American Girls donated $.70 of each $1 bracelet sold to the non-profit group Girls Incorporated.
“Parents need to know that this effort to promote self-esteem among girls is not as innocent as it seems,” said Ann Scheidler, Pro-Life Action League executive director. “While Girls Inc. has some good programs, they also support abortion, oppose abstinence-only education for girls, and condone lesbianism.”
Officials with American Girl, a subsidiary of Mattel, did not respond to interview requests by press time.
American Girl promoted the “I Can” bracelet to support three specific Girls Inc. programs: building girls’ skills in science and math, developing leadership skills, and encouraging athletic skills and team spirit, according to the American Girl Web site.
BUT IT’S THE Web site of Girls Inc. that riled the group’s critics. A button for “find resources” on that site includes links to a variety of fact sheets, including a section on “girls and sexuality” that incorporates resources dealing with lesbian and bisexual issues.
Boycott supporters cited two stands taken by Girls Inc.: an endorsement of the 1973 Roe vs. Wade U.S. Supreme Court case establishing a woman’s right to abortion; and supporting girls dealing with issues of sexual orientation.
“We have no problem with the reality that some people are homosexuals,” Scheidler said. “However, we believe that marriage between a man and woman is the only proper context for sexual intimacy.”
Girls Inc. President Joyce Roche was traveling and unavailable for comment. But the company issued a statement regarding the controversy.
“Recently, our mission to help girls develop their self-esteem and self-reliance has become the target of false, inflammatory statements from people who are pursuing a narrow political agenda,” the statement read. “Girls Inc. stands on its long, positive history and the millions of lives we have touched speak for who we are and our values.”
THE BOYCOTT IS EXPECTED to
continue into the holiday season. In lieu of buying the patriotic-themed American Girl dolls, Pro-Life Action League is asking parents to purchase Christian-themed dolls, such as those offered by A Life of Faith and Blessings Expressions of Faith.
Shannon Minter, legal director for the National Center for Lesbian Rights, blasted the two conservative groups.
“Any group that would attack American Girls clearly has completely lost its moral bearings,” Minter said. “American Girls deserves nothing but praise for its commitment to strengthening the self-esteem of all girls, including those from diverse racial, ethnic, and religious groups as well as those who may be lesbian or bisexual.”
The American Family Association did not return phone calls for comment but posted a statement on its Web site on the issue.
“I hope you will take time to let American Girl know they are making a terrible mistake by supporting the pro-abortion, pro-lesbian organization, Girls Inc.,” wrote Donald Wildmon, chairman of the American Family Association.
In the past, the AFA has targeted Disney, Proctor & Gamble and Ford Motor Company with boycotts. The group recently ended its nine-year boycott of Disney with little impact.
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