Tattoo Barbie: This is just wrong!
Let me start out with a few pre-cursers to my cursing. I have no problem with Barbie as 
a toy for kids. And although it’s not my cup of tea, I have no problem with tattoos on consenting adults.
But I have a big problem with Totally Stylin' Tattoo Barbie.
The doll manufactured by Mattel comes with temporary tattoos for both Barbie and the kids --which is fine since what kid doesn’t have a half-washed, flaking cartoon on their forearm at some point? -- but it also comes with a toy tattoo gun.
Yes, that’s right, a tattoo gun so instead of applying it with a wet wash cloth, 8 year-olds can simulate that milestone in every minor’s life experience of actual needles pumping permanent dye into their growing bodies.
Again, this has nothing to do with tattoos for consenting adults, but everything to do with age-appropriate toys. And in my humble opinion, the age 5 designated on the box is off by about 20 years and a hepatitis C shot.
In 1999 Mattel pulled a similar Barbie from store shelves after parents complained of her sporting a butterfly tattoo on her midriff and her friend’s nose-ring. Imagine the outcry if “Butterfly Art Barbie” came with her own home-piercing kit?
There will be some who disagree, pointing out that Barbie is just keeping up with what’s in style right now and that this is merely a toy that kids can play make-believe like other adult activities.
I counter that bellbottoms and leg-warmers didn’t need to be removed with laser treatments and Barbie’s Dream Wedding gown didn’t come with bottles of Tequila for a pretend open-bar reception.
I don’t consider myself a prude, but I prefer my preschooler’s edgy toys to be a little less with the edge, and more on the “Gee, I wonder if I can find a nicer toy for my daughter to play with.”
-- Tracey Henry, the Suburban Diva
[Photo: Totally Stylin' Tattoo Barbie complete with toy tattoo gun]
Sharon Kennedy Wynne has sunscreen in her blood. She may have been born in Buffalo but she got here as fast as she could, in time for kindergarten. She grew up in St. Petersburg, graduated from the University of Florida journalism school, and even got married at Sunken Gardens. She's one of the few adults we know who actually loves taking her kids to the beach. She has two sons and with 10 years of parenting under her belt, she's starting to feel a little less out of her league. She comes from a large family and loves to debate, so brace yourself when the hot topics come up.
Amy Hollyfield is a workaholic mother of two young
daughters, blessed to have a work-at-home husband who makes their life possible. She was born in Detroit and moved around a lot as a kid (read: Air Force brat). She has lived in Florida since the month after she
graduated from Northwestern University. She lives for the yelps, hugs and kisses that greet her on nights that she makes it home before bedtime.
Sherry Robinson was born in the Sunshine State but she feels more comfortable inside a mall than outside at the beach -- thank goodness her husband is the outdoorsy type. He takes their two sons on night hikes, beach runs and bug hunts while Sherry does her best to take care of the homestead -- and find out what is new on the store shelves. A graduate of the University of South Florida in 19noneofyourbusiness, Sherry has been at the Times for nearly 20 years. And with nearly 10 years of parenting experience, Sherry is eager to offer up some great dish on raising kids and keeping your sanity.
Guest blogger Tracey Henry, a.k.a. Suburban Diva, is a frantic, slightly frazzled mother of four. She is a freelance humor writer and author which is the only thing that parenting four children ages 12-1 trains you for, except perhaps court jester and professional bull rider. She and her husband have lived all over the country, but settled in Florida eight years ago because the beachcombing is so much better here than on the banks of the Mississippi. Their family time includes a lot of sport -- both watching and playing -- and fun in the sun and surf. Catch her in Whoa, Momma! and on her site, 
Sherri Day and her husband welcomed their daughter into the world in early 2008. So far, she describes parenthood as exciting, exhausting and exhilarating. A self-described Southern belle with small-town values and big-city idealism, Sherri was born in rural Georgia. She received her bachelor's degree in journalism from Clark Atlanta University and her master's of journalism from the University of California at Berkeley. She is the Brandon bureau chief for the Times. Sherri moved to Tampa from Brooklyn four years ago.
I just love the so called adults on the "Go Momma" boards. What usually happens is this: An article is posted. Someone comments. Someone objects to the comments and becomes nasty. Back and forth with "oh shut up" and "grow up" and worse. No real debate - just so called adults turning vicious on each other. Way to go!!!
Sadly it is that way on other boards too. I guess having a rational debate and being polite (seeing the other person's viewpoint without having to agree with it) without being nasty is too much to ask.
Posted by: Another Lisa | March 10, 2009 at 01:38 PM
If you don't like the toy Tracey, don't buy it. Same goes for everyone. Shut up, all of you. So people find it offensive, everyone has an entitlement to their opinion. I personally think it's a bit silly. After all, they're kids, they're not exactly going to be able to get into a tattooists and get a tattoo without your permission are they? The tattoo stamp included (yes, no needles involved... what a shock!) is, a, toy. Kids like to draw on themselves, and kids will love to decorate barbie in whatever way they choose. It doesn't mean they will instantly go out and get one. C'mon, they're 5 years old for crying out loud. Let them have a LITTLE bit of fun. If you continue to try to censor your children from every one of lifes truthes, you'll end up with rebellious nightmares!
Posted by: Ru | March 09, 2009 at 09:34 PM
OMG!!!!!! It is a humor column! Let's all lighten up a little!
Luv ya Diva!
Posted by: Lisa | March 09, 2009 at 09:14 PM
Don't bother arguing. All people want are a quick fix to shut their children up. They do not want to be parents. That takes work. Instead they put their heads in the sand and pretend everything is ok. Go ahead. Let the children play with tattoo Barbie, watch inappropriate movies, play video games and become whining little couch potatoes. Just like their parents.
Posted by: Monica | March 08, 2009 at 12:19 AM
How about you get over yourself? If your child wanted a tattoo because Barbie has one would you let her have one? "But Barbie has one". How about when she draws on her arms with markers to pretend? How about when she grabs your cigarettes because you do it?
How about you get over yourself. A tattoo is something for an adult. Not for a child. If Barbie had cigarettes would you let your child have Barbie smoke too?
Some of you just don't get it. I sincerely hope none of you are parents.
Posted by: Laurine | March 08, 2009 at 12:14 AM
I found this piece a little close-minded. Girls growing up these days will have mothers with tattoos, aunts with tattoos, sisters with tattoos. These real life role models may or may not inspire girls to get inked later in life. A doll may or may not inspire girls to get inked later in life.
Nothing about this doll seems related to disease or encouraging five-year-olds to hit a tattoo parlor.
With the over-sexual crap shoved down girls' throats these days, the last thing I would worry about is a doll with a tattoo theme. This blog post shows little but obvious prejudice toward inked individuals.
Posted by: Maria | March 07, 2009 at 11:00 PM
"OOOH, OOOH, I want the meth-head Barbie, complete with the lab! Then tatoo Barbie will have a BFF."
Contemporary 5 yr old, this is not only offensive and vulgar but completely unjustifed. I am an intelligent twenty year old woman who is heavily tattooed and has been tattooing professionally for the last two years. I actively campaign against drugs and find your comment disgusting. There are no doubts in my mind that I am much, much more intelligent than you, and that I am of a sound state of mind to make that judgement as it's apparent that I, unlike you haven't been brainwashed by propaganda and dogma. You disgust me. I, and many other heavily tattooed women and mothers will be awaiting your apology for tying us in with junkie scum who are people who pose a real threat to you and your children, but hey, it would be just too hard for you to speak up about a real problem instead of against something you aesthetically don't like. To me, you're on par with racism with that comment.
Posted by: Alexi | March 07, 2009 at 10:25 PM
you people are way too deep, go get a job and figure out how the hec to pay your mortgage and feed your kids and what kind of job they are going to get when they become adults, this country is way too messed up to put so much effort into a stupid doll you are not going to be able to afford anyway and especially when you loose your nothing-paying job as it is
Posted by: stacey fl native | March 07, 2009 at 05:48 PM
The truth - I really don't care one way or the other about what Barbie dolls are out there. I also don't think it's so scary for children to play with the idea of having or placing tattoos. I have tattoos but still found Tracey's piece funny, as always.
I do, though, find it odd that there are so many comments stating how this doll is promoting something that should remain "adults only." Hasn't Barbie been a doctor, a fire fighter, an astronaut and a mommy? I don't know about you but I'd rather not have a five year old operating on me ... or responding to the call for help warranted by the blazing inferno I ignited from my George Foreman grill.
Perhaps there are a few I'd like to send into space, though ...
Maybe we should keep these silly ideas out of the heads of all the young'ens out there. I mean, you can't be a MOMMY before you're all growns'd up, right? Geez, what's next? A Barbie that can VOTE?
Posted by: Denise | March 07, 2009 at 01:17 PM
knownassociate. sorry for your illness, but I believe the writer of this somewhat humorous story(albeit the actual subject matter is rather scary) is that getting a tattoo is not something a 5 year old child should not even be subjected to, and even though there is no shot for HepC, it is wise that the writer in her own way advised that one can contract HepC while getting a tattoo. Maybe you should speak out about how to protect yourself from getting it. Lolyta(Lolita) as you step out of your trailer this morning look around you. Count how many people DON'T have tattoos. Tattoos are not "in", they are just another sign of the downward spiral that we are on, and your trash thinking doesn't help matters.
Posted by: Joey | March 07, 2009 at 11:04 AM
Thank you for the clarification about their NOT being a shot for Hepatitis C. I was going to post the same thing. Too much misinformation about Hepatitis C all over the internet. There are vaccines for Hep A and B but not for C. It is everyone's disease. Get tested!
Posted by: | March 06, 2009 at 05:31 PM
This isn't about protection from a nasty needle. They're saying that it doesn't suit Barbie as a company for all these years to go into the directions they are now.
Posted by: jimmy | March 06, 2009 at 04:59 PM
Ohh, it is called a machine not a gun, well then now I see it.
This is a kid's doll. Doll's shouldn't mimic adult choices, or choices that can only be made after a "consenting" age.
I like the bong Barbie one, and stripper Barbie, but my daughters can't have them.
Ohh and you know what else this is a humor column, a fun part of the "paper".
I laughed when my assistant sent it to me.
And laughed harder at some of your comments of stupidity.
Posted by: Dan | March 06, 2009 at 04:32 PM
I'm actually not happy that my 3 year old comes home from his conservative, christian pre-school covered with reward "stamps" and other temporary tatoos.
Posted by: Kim | March 06, 2009 at 04:32 PM
People who get tattooes are unfairly stereotyped. I understand that. However certain acts/items are FOR ADULTS ONLY. Mattel is off base here. Which manufacturer was it that made thongs for six year olds? Same type of thing. A child should not have a tattoo, a thong, see R rated movies, smoke, drink. Adults can feel free to enjoy legal activities. Anything else I forgot?
How about parents actually parenting? Show your displeasure and not purchase this item.
Posted by: Carey | March 06, 2009 at 04:22 PM
It's not called a "gun", it's a machine. Professional artists learn how to sterilize said machine so customers don't get diseases and people like you don't stereotype them.
Posted by: Carrie Burrows | March 06, 2009 at 03:49 PM
Look, SD, not all parents share the same values. Others among us want to expose our children to diverse learning experiences. To this end, I suggest Mattel keep Totally Stylin' Tattoo Barbie and add the following:
Beautiful Bong Barbie (maybe Ken can look like Michael Phelps?)
Perky Pole Dancin' Barbie (this one will be popular in Tampa)
Ann Coulter Barbie (offered simply for political balance; you starve this Barbie until it starts getting nasty)
Wow! I could keep going all day, but I have a pretend job I have to do.
Posted by: Dumb Daddy | March 06, 2009 at 02:24 PM
Uh oh. Here's a case of Barbie-gone-bad. Some of you may not want your kids to see Barbies dancing in a strip club, but it's dang sure some funny stuff. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7CUR2cozts
Posted by: CallMeCarl | March 06, 2009 at 01:08 PM
OOOH, OOOH, I want the meth-head Barbie, complete with the lab! Then tatoo Barbie will have a BFF. PPLLEEEEESE mommy! I want to be just like you...
Posted by: Contemporary 5 yr old in S. St. Pete | March 06, 2009 at 11:51 AM
Funny break down.
knownassociate - here is some reality for you - "what kid doesn’t have a half-washed, flaking cartoon on their forearm at some point?"
Anyone with kids rolled at that one. My kids normally have them on their bellies and shoulders, as their school doesn't like them on the forearms.
Posted by: Pete | March 06, 2009 at 11:02 AM
Knownassociate, you aren't serious on your comment are you? It is a hilarious piece on Barbie tattoos, I don't think SD was going for "factual accuracy".
BTW what is factual accuracy?
I assume and hope you are lying on your condition to gain some foundation for your Times' trolling.
If you aren't i hope that 11th hour cure materializes for you and so many others.
Remember laughter is a strong medicine try to use it.
Posted by: Winnie | March 06, 2009 at 10:03 AM
Funny...I have to laugh. Let's give them all the "pretty" but not the reality right? They give Barbie Ken, bras with matching panties, babies and pets but lets leave out all the real stuff like why Barbie needs pretty bras and matching panties and Ken, how Barbie really got all those babies, oh and the doggie lives forever.
Posted by: Smplyred | March 06, 2009 at 09:11 AM
Yes, I totally agree with you. You forgot to add that Barbie may soon come with a home teen-pregnancy test kit.
Posted by: Jerry | March 06, 2009 at 07:14 AM
[quote]the age 5 designated on the box is off by about 20 years and a hepatitis C shot.[/quote]
The above excerpt from your post badly damages my expectations of factual accuracy.
There is no shot for Hepatitis C. There is as yet no cure for this disease. Nor is there an approved preventative inoculation.
Perhaps I am over-sensitive to this, but I am in the last stages of this disease, and there is little hope of an 11th hour miracle cure. Please take a little time to read some of the true facts on this disease. Believe me, if there were a shot for it, I wouldn't be facing a death that is way too soon.
Posted by: knownassociate | March 06, 2009 at 01:50 AM