The Doll Blog

©Ty

Let’s cut right to the chase. The first and only African American Ty Girlz © are named Sasha and Malia. Ty Inc. spokeswoman Tania Lundeen says the dolls aren’t based on the Obama daughters. She says Sasha and Malia were chosen because “they are beautiful names.” Really? Check out the Social Security Administration list of 100 top Baby names for the last 10 years? They are three to four hundred down. Nothing to do with the new girls in the White House? Hmmm.

Next we hear that Michelle Obama is pissed… she thinks it’s exploitation. Well she’s right, it is. But who is being exploited? Do you think that maybe there was a little political milage gained every time those two little ‘Daddy’s Girls’ were photographed living their “normal” little fishbowl lives for the last year? I mean after all, who didn’t know about the first daughters? Color me doubtful, but I think that there was a little exploitation of the girls during the campaign as well.

Dolls have been made in the likenesses of celebrities for forever. In fact one of our stores specializes in licensed dolls, everything from Sesame Street and Dr Seuss, to Fancy Nancy and Strawberry Shortcake. If I had to guess, I’d say Shirley Temple dolls were probably the longest running celebrity doll ever. Teddy Roosevelt wouldn’t shoot a tied up helpless bear at the end of an unsuccessful hunt and Teddy Bears have been the most popular toy in America ever since. There were Chelsea Clinton dolls, and Caroline Kennedy dolls (currently selling in the $300 range on Ebay). But of course we’re talking here about licensed dolls…. my guess is that if Michelle Obama and the US Attorney General want to make a case of it, Ty would have to buckle pretty quick.

So our take? We don’t believe that out of the 1000′s of African American girl’s names available that Ty randomly picked the same two names as the first daughters. Next? Michelle… chill. Be flattered and pleased that your daughters are such great role models. Life’s too short to be pissed at Ty. Make ‘em give you royalties!