First Lady considers Sasha, Malia dolls 'inappropriate'

Chicago Business ^ | Jan. 22, 2009 | Meghan Streit

[cdchik123]

(Crain’s) — First lady Michelle Obama is not pleased about the marketing of a pair of dolls that bear the same names as her daughters.

“We believe it is inappropriate to use young private citizens for marketing purposes,” Ms. Obama’s spokeswoman said.

Ty Inc. released its “Sweet Sasha” and “Marvelous Malia” dolls this month. Both dolls have bronze skin and dark hair.

The dolls are part of the Westmont-based toymaker’s TyGirlz line. The company is also the creator of Beanie Babies, which have reportedly generated more than $6 billion in sales since their debut in 1994.

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Chicagobusiness.com reported Wednesday that “Sweet Sasha” and “Marvelous Malia” hit store shelves this month just before Barack Obama was inaugurated.

A Ty spokeswoman originally acknowledged to Crain’s that the Sasha and Malia dolls were created with the first daughters in mind. She has since backed away from that statement.

“They were not designed to look like any living person,” the spokeswoman said of the dolls on Thursday. “Somehow there was a misunderstanding.”

[Recovering_Democrat]

Too bad.

[PGR88]

For once I agree with the Obamas.

[Badeye]

“We believe it is inappropriate to use young private citizens for marketing purposes,” Ms. Obama’s spokeswoman said. ‘

Then why did the Obama Campaign use them as such for the past 18 months?

Jut askin....

[Mariebl]

I agree with Mrs. Obama. Never thought I’d be saying those words, either!

[LottieDah]

“They were not designed to look like any living person,” the spokeswoman said of the dolls on Thursday. “Somehow there was a misunderstanding.”

In other words, “we forgot to discuss the terms of royalties”

[skeeter]

Finally, something I can agree with Michelle on.

Now, if only we could add the Obama "Yes We Can" Plate set, the Obama Commemorative Coin, the Official Obama Inauguration DVD (including 8 original musical numbers by well-known artists) and all those highly offensive American flags bearing The One's likeness?

[NonValueAdded]

Iron clad rule: leave the children alone. It was a good thing Michelle Obama was right out in front letting us know all the commentary about the Palin children was inappropriate. Oh wait ... RAT exception: the rule does not apply if the last name is Palin.

That said, just because the media went after the Palin children with a vengeance, we should not reciprocate against the young Obama kids.

[Corin Stormhands]

Like others have said, you won’t hear me saying this often.

But the First Lady is correct.

[Never on my watch]

Wow is she sensitive. I can't wait until the bobble heads come out.

Was she upset by the George Bush Voo-Doo dolls? She probably owned one.

[Cheetahcat]

Yes but all His I want to be black White Voters who are going to name their KIDS after the Kenyan clowns are going to get their Little feelings hurt by this.

[theDentist]

I agree. These girls have no say abou tbeing in the media spotlight. And more, the story that these names were chosen having nothing to do with the Obama daughters is such a bald-faced lie that it insults everyone.

[Sarah Barracuda]

For once I actually agree with Michelle. Those dolls of her girls are not right, in fact, kinda creepy. Sasha and Malia look like good kids, smart with a good head on their shoulders, they don’t need dolls made in their honor. I saw the hell that Sarah’s kids went through, of course the media would never do that to Sasha and Malia, still, the kids should be out of the media spotlight, no matter if they are Democrat or Republican

[Mariebl]

Was she upset by the George Bush Voo-Doo dolls? She probably owned one.

I think you've missed the point. George Bush wasn't a child, and he was in the public eye by actions of his own.

[FelixFelicis]

>>Then why did the Obama Campaign use them as such for the past 18 months?<<

Oh, c’mon. What candidate doesn’t trot out the kiddies on the campaign trail? That’s not the same as a toy manufacturer using their identities without permission.

Frankly, I agree with the Chelsea Rule: kids SHOULD be off limits as long as they do nothing that grossly calls attention to themselves.

[Graybeard58]

Oh wait ... RAT exception: the rule does not apply if the last name is Palin.

Just to be fair, it didn't apply to 11 year old Chelsea Clinton when Clinton ran the first time. All the "ugly" jokes on late night talk shows were sickening.

I'll never forget Leno ravaging her every night and then Bill Clinton comes on his show and kisses Leno's ass, I would have gained a little respect for Clinton had he punched Leno.

[Travis T. OJustice]

Apples/oranges.

[Batman11]

The kids should be off limits, but Blackie O and the Fresh Prince of Bill Ayers are big time fair game!!

[Tarheel]

Mama Obama is right on this. Like others have noted—I never thought I would agree with her on anything. ALL children of politicians s/b off limits until age 18.

[Badeye]

‘Frankly, I agree with the Chelsea Rule: kids SHOULD be off limits ‘

So do I.

Nobody is ‘attacking’ these two cute kids.

If anyone goes after them, I’ll condemn whoever does so, just as I did when it occured with Chelsea Clinton (before she began working as a poltical operative) or the Bush twins.

But this? Ridiculous. Like it or not, they are ‘public figures’ thats part of being the First Family.