With American Girl releasing their first male doll, is it the beginning of gender-neutral toys? Here’s what celeb parents think of this product...
As part of their efforts to diversify from their regular range, US-based American Girl released its first boy doll recently, named Logan Everett. Just like their female dolls, this one too is an 18-inch doll, and plays drums as part of a band. The company explained the reason for their newest release saying that one of the number one requests they received over the years was for adding a male doll to their collection. Boy Story, another company, also released two boy action dolls recently, as the co-founder wanted her son to have his own doll to play with. Traditionally, doll play has always been associated with girls. The Ken doll that has been around for ages has been targetted at girls to accompany their Barbies. That aside, there have only been dolls in the form of action figures for boys. Could this mean the beginning of gender blurring when it comes to toys? And would parents readily purchase a boy doll for their sons?
Psychologist and performance coach Dr Kanan Khatau Chikhal says, “In a world of gender equality and freedom from biases, we raise girls and boys to be empowered as equals whether playing with dolls or toy swords. Every toy has its pros and cons and one has to look at that context when giving children a choice of toy to play with. Playing with dolls brings empathy and nurturing which can be used by the boy as he grows into a leader in the future. It’s important for a parent to change their perspective, study the context of changing times, and evolve parenting styles accordingly.”
Raveena Tandon Thadani
I know about American Girl. My daughter Rasha used to play with them when she was much younger. Rasha and Ranbirvardhan don’t play with dolls anymore. Even if they did, I don’t see any harm in purchasing a boy doll. All the Marvel heroes have male figurines, don’t they? My son used to have Build-A-Bear dolls, and Superman and Batman figurines, but he used to love collecting animal stuffed toys. I think it’s a good idea to have boy dolls as earlier boys only had action figurines. Girls, with their fully loaded dollhouses and ‘domestic’ games, have a chance to bring their nurturing side to the fore. What happens to the boys who love playing with their siblings but aren’t allowed to play with dolls? How do they learn to be sensitive and caring.
Amrita Arora Ladak
In my opinion, there have always been boy and girl dolls. I have had a boy doll that was in a pram which my sons loved pushing around. And yes, it does not make a difference. Girls or boys should be exposed to all sorts of things without any disparity of his and hers. It helps in developing a healthy environment. I would never refrain from letting my boys play with dolls or if I had girls they could play with action toys as well... it’s healthy for kids.
Vivek Oberoi
I’m not one for dolls. Never had one growing up. I encourage my children to play with either physically engaging toys or games that enhance their skills and knowledge. I look for fun toys and games or activities that add to their growth. Dolls have never really featured in that. Compassion-wise is concerned, I like my children to learn that towards animals, birds and also other human beings. My kids already have a routine to fill birdseed and water on our terrace every day.
Juhi Parmar
My four-year-old daughter currently has a prince doll who wears a tuxedo. As for the new boy doll, I will have to see it to decide. I think it depends on the shape of the doll and if it’s appropriate for my child.
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