Mr. BTEG has been scrolling Facebook Marketplace for things for himself for several months, as a way to pass the time. He happened to see the long-retired Samantha's Scenes and Settings book for a good price, so we picked it up. This was a very large book made for each doll available at the time, which showed some of the important settings from her books, as well as the picture of her home on the cover, and a map of her local area on the back, as well as a few bits of historical information. It was meant as a way to enhance doll play acting out some scenes from the books. Samantha's book featured the kitchen of her home, her bedroom, her schoolroom, the ice cream parlor in New York City where she has ice cream with her grandmother and Aunt Cornelia, and Piney Point, which also figures in 2026 Girl of the Year Raquel's story. Some of the accessories that you could buy for Samantha, like her school lunchbox, her doll stroller with her teddy bear, and the basket and butterfly net she carries at Piney Point, are included in the images. For those not familiar with American Girl dolls, Samantha measures 18" (45cm) tall so you can see how large this book is.
I had quite a lot to say over at RagingMoon's blog about the new historical girls dressed in modern day clothes that are based on their historical meet outfits. I think the main thing I want to say is that history is important, play can be a good way to learn, and we shouldn't expect Mattel to carry on what Pleasant Rowland started as a passion project. I love reading, so I devoured books like the Little House on the Prairie series as a child, and liked to pretend that I was Laura. The old-fashioned school desk from my last post played a big part in the play. I will also point out that ironically, Rowland had to have had some decent funding behind her to start Pleasant Company. I've dreamed about starting my own line of historical dolls, but 1. Mattel would very likely sue and 2. There's no way I could get the money to get it off of the ground. Would any of you like to create a doll from another time?
I don't guess I'm so upset at the shift away from historical value as I am the fact that so much of the items are cheapening up. The clothes aren't as nice, the accessories aren't as detailed, and the brand overall seems more like a cash-grab. I know Mattel is kinda desperate at the moment, as Barbie didn't sell anywhere near as well during Christmas as she normally does. I would've gotten back to you on my blog, but I wasn't sure what to say besides "You made a good point," LOL.
ReplyDeleteIt's a pity that Mattel has such a monopoly on the doll world, because I'd love to see what your doll line looks like. I'd love to see what points in history you visit, too. There are some places that American Girl has missed.
I love to read, and to learn new things, and I was a homeschool mom for a time, so I'm always interested in ways to promote learning. I'm also disappointed how cheap the line has gotten, though. Mattel doesn't seem to be interested in quality toys as much as, like you said, a cash grab. Did you see the latest news about the Barbie Club doll? Supposedly the members could choose a goddess, a fairy, or an alien. The goddess won, which a lot of YouTubers said would have been the cheapest to make, based on the drawings. The prototype had pixelated eyes, cheap fabric that was inappropriate for the design and cut, and unpainted plastic accessories, for $100. Now the doll has been cancelled, and they're going "back to the drawing board."
DeleteThank you for your kind words about a doll line. I also wasn't upset that you didn't reply so much as worried that I offended you somehow. My daughters lovingly tell me that I'm on the spectrum, so sometimes I have problems with the whole human interaction thing.
How can they sue over historical themed dolls? They don't have a copyright on history. And other people, like A Girl for All Time and others, (Including an 18 doll line that I can't remember right now.), have made historical dolls. I say start a crowdfunding campaign and go for it!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your lovely comment, Tam. I don't think Mattel would have a basis to sue, but I think they are pretty sue happy. You know how it is; some companies win cases just because they have the cash to keep lawsuits going. I was thinking about starting with books, and I have to admit I've got an idea rolling around in my head now, so we'll see.
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