Why I "play" With Dolls
Why I "play" With Dolls
"You're too old to be playing with dolls."
"Are you buying that for your relative?"
"Why would you waste your time and money with those things?"
"Go play with your dolls!"These are just a couple of the sarcastic rude remarks I get on a daily basis because of the collection I have and continue to grow. There are several reasons why adults are ALLOWED to "play" with dolls, and if you think any of them are an excuse to be "weird", or "not-normal"; then stop reading you're in the wrong part of the internet.
I'm not going to start off with "The box says 3 AND up! I'm up!" or "If you're not childish you're boring" Because I've seen a couple of articles with countdowns that list those as their reasons why and ... those are excuses. If you do not understand the true reason why it's okay to be childish, then you don't need to write about it. (It just makes people like me upset). So here are some true reasons why I as an individual love being childish and continue to "play" with my collection of Bratz dolls.
History
When I was younger I so fascinated with the Bratz dolls. The reason may surprise you. I needed glasses at a young age; but I wasn't aware of that until the third-ish grade. The Bratz came out when I had reached the first grade, before that my mother told me I played with Barbies, but I always believed them to be ugly. Again, this wasn't because of the fact that they were it's just I couldn't see them vary well. The first Bratz doll I got was named Cloe and I still own her today. I could actually see her face and makeup, which at that time was awesome!
The same reason a Video Game enthusiast researches all that they can about the games they collect, was the same reason I started poking around articles. I started to become engrossed in the idea of the Bratz at a young age, and during middle school I became to love their history and accomplishments. All of this research and awe was done in secrecy however, because back in 2006-2009(middle school) being childish was considered a mockery until about 2010-2014(high school) when expressing the love for your childhood was considered to be brave, (despite the bullying).
The lawsuit, which began in 2008 became the most talked-about and rumored thing on the web, which really spiked my curiosity. Apparently the creator of the Bratz was sued because Barbie, (Burdein Maxwell anyone?) accused them of stealing trade secrets. But the joke fell on them, because in 2013 they lost and now in 2015 are being sued by MGA studios for detailing an "express instruction" manual on "how to steal" and it was expressed that MGA noticed and found fake business cards from Kinko's which allowed Barbie to attend some trade shows undercover. BTW competitions are not allowed in any trade show. We all know who's going to win this one. Barbie you're FIRED!!! {BTW this is soooooo not Barbie}
The history of the Bratz catches and captivates my attention because the true underdogs of children's media, has been rightfully seen, heard, and won! And I for one cannot be more happy!
Collection
There is too-long of a reason why I keep my Bratz collection. But during one part of my life I was willing to give them all up. (sad I know) I had become the center of bullying because some unnamed kids in my high school told me that I act like a child or I'm like a 7 year old. * People can be mean.
This is the same time, however that I met Mike Mozart; YouTube toy reviewer and designer. He was once a daily blogger on BlogTv. He's now a blogger on YouNow under, Jeepersmedia. (If you've seen Toy Story 2, then you know what he looks like.) He's a professional artist, toy designer, and toy collector. At this point I didn't even know I had a collection, even though I had around 20+ dolls. But Mike Mozart who has a HUGE warehouse filled with so many different collections and quantities of old nostalgic and new toys, explained to me that, It's okay to play with your old toys, to collect them and study them. To understand the engineering behind them, and the history involved. To love how the creators invented and designed them with a purpose that they have or can have. It's true, ask yourself these questions.
I became so grateful to Mike Mozart. He not only saved my collection, he made a big difference in a lower part of my life. By helping me see past being bullied, and to continue with what I love. A true life saver.
This is the same time, however that I met Mike Mozart; YouTube toy reviewer and designer. He was once a daily blogger on BlogTv. He's now a blogger on YouNow under, Jeepersmedia. (If you've seen Toy Story 2, then you know what he looks like.) He's a professional artist, toy designer, and toy collector. At this point I didn't even know I had a collection, even though I had around 20+ dolls. But Mike Mozart who has a HUGE warehouse filled with so many different collections and quantities of old nostalgic and new toys, explained to me that, It's okay to play with your old toys, to collect them and study them. To understand the engineering behind them, and the history involved. To love how the creators invented and designed them with a purpose that they have or can have. It's true, ask yourself these questions.
"Who created the toys?" Adults.
"Who put the concepts of design, ingenuity, and scientific research behind the toys?"Adults.
"Who "plays" with said toy before any other child gets a hold of them?" Adults.If you even thought for a second how awesome of a job it would be to "play" and test out new toys, but you still think its weird for an adult to "play" with the same toys or Bratz dolls in this case; how many people, or articles of research does it take to explain how wrong you are?
I became so grateful to Mike Mozart. He not only saved my collection, he made a big difference in a lower part of my life. By helping me see past being bullied, and to continue with what I love. A true life saver.
How I "play"
You might be wondering why I put the quotation marks around "play" well, that's because I don't necessarily play with The Bratz, yet everyone still assumes that I accomplish nothing while owning them. I use my dolls a lot though, from acting out scenes for my second book, to over coming writers block. Believe me it's more sane then staring at a blank wall, and talking to yourself. I also enjoy finding the clothes and deciding what-goes-with-what for each outfit. It relaxes me and takes the stress out of my everyday life.
In 2007 the exclusive for Bratz Fashion Pixies (Which was a good movie) was the Bratz Sisterz. They were the two main girls in the film, and although they aren't actual pixies in this collection, they are still from the movie. The design for them though, was very strange. They are the skinniest Bratz I have ever seen. I still enjoy them however.
In 2010 they designed a new body shape, shrunk the shape of the shoes and shrunk the head (just a tad). No more square cut off merged toes, just regular sized feet and a realistic frame. I wasn't aware of this change until my mother bought me my second doll in 2010. And did I hate the new Bratz! Not because of the frame, but the feet. They were so not comical anymore. I loved the Bratz, for the fact that I could laugh at them sometimes! (See Media) Also my new shoes did not fit my old ones and vise versa.
In 2013 another drastic measure took place among Bratz. The dolls were made to be 12 inches instead of the regular 10 inches! Why?! No more Bratz fitting in old clothes. Also the arms were cheap. Why should they bend if the legs can't? The clothes were cheap and plastic-y feeling. The legs... These Bratz were so anorexic looking because making them taller, for the same price as the old bratz meant to cut back on plastic. NO! I was so sad! But I only bought one doll that year! And I was okay with that. The Bratz weren't completely back yet, they were still slowly coming out of their hiatus. Which lasted too long in my opinion. I guess during this time the company just decided, "let's throw stuff at the wall, and see what sticks." Because you know the Bratz team was too busy with legal matters. (Stupid Burdien) But I still like that super-tall doll! She was cute and I can use her as a mom.
In 2015 the Bratz are back! The Logo reverted back to the same font and color, (which I looove) I was so excited! I got the new Let's Travel Cloe doll, wearing a chinese jacket, panda shirt, blue jean skirt, and HUUUUUGE yellow feet. The feet are waaaay bigger then even the original Bratz, but it fits! It's exciting. The body shape of this doll is a bit weird looking. Its curved at the stomach which reminds me why I hate monster high. I noted how this doll did seem a bit racist, and I would have continued to think that if it wasn't for the fact that in the new webseries it's clearly shown that Cloe is really funnily stupid and you can't blame her for thinking all Chinese people love pandas, and fortune cookies. (which isn't even a thing; the Americans invented that.) There would be no doubt that Cloe would think that. Another thing about the new dolls, BIGGER HEADS, BIGGER EYES. SO CUTE! You also have the option of creating your own Bratz at Target. Bratz you have, and will continue to out do it again. Honestly It would be my dream job to work for Bratz!
Changes
One of the coolest things I discovered while looking through my dolls this pass month, was how much their model has changed. I'm not taking about a spokesperson. I'm talking about the frame of The Bratz. In 2001 -2009 The Bratz held one specific body shape. Well, parents (just like any other doll company), complained about the body type not fitting realistic proportions. About this matter? Who cares! I never thought in all my childhood life "wow I want to be like one of these dolls. I'm going to make my head big and wear huge shoes because that's a realistic adult shape!" no. Absolutely no. Even if they were mad about the body shape itself, the head and feet are part of that problem! They are meant to look like that, they are hilarious. Not Reality. Because of the parents, and because Bratz at least tries to listen to their audience, they completely up rooted their original design. (unlike some companies, I'm looking at you Barb- I mean Burdien Maxwell.) |
| Bratz 2001 |
In 2007 the exclusive for Bratz Fashion Pixies (Which was a good movie) was the Bratz Sisterz. They were the two main girls in the film, and although they aren't actual pixies in this collection, they are still from the movie. The design for them though, was very strange. They are the skinniest Bratz I have ever seen. I still enjoy them however.
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| Bratz 2007 |
In 2010 they designed a new body shape, shrunk the shape of the shoes and shrunk the head (just a tad). No more square cut off merged toes, just regular sized feet and a realistic frame. I wasn't aware of this change until my mother bought me my second doll in 2010. And did I hate the new Bratz! Not because of the frame, but the feet. They were so not comical anymore. I loved the Bratz, for the fact that I could laugh at them sometimes! (See Media) Also my new shoes did not fit my old ones and vise versa.
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| Bratz 2010 |
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| 2013 |
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| Height Difference, 2015, 2013, 2010, 2003 |
In 2015 the Bratz are back! The Logo reverted back to the same font and color, (which I looove) I was so excited! I got the new Let's Travel Cloe doll, wearing a chinese jacket, panda shirt, blue jean skirt, and HUUUUUGE yellow feet. The feet are waaaay bigger then even the original Bratz, but it fits! It's exciting. The body shape of this doll is a bit weird looking. Its curved at the stomach which reminds me why I hate monster high. I noted how this doll did seem a bit racist, and I would have continued to think that if it wasn't for the fact that in the new webseries it's clearly shown that Cloe is really funnily stupid and you can't blame her for thinking all Chinese people love pandas, and fortune cookies. (which isn't even a thing; the Americans invented that.) There would be no doubt that Cloe would think that. Another thing about the new dolls, BIGGER HEADS, BIGGER EYES. SO CUTE! You also have the option of creating your own Bratz at Target. Bratz you have, and will continue to out do it again. Honestly It would be my dream job to work for Bratz!
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| Bratz 2015 |
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| Shoe Size, Back-to-front 2015-2010-2001 |
Media
This is a fun topic. The Bratz have had some interesting movies come out straight to DVD since 2004. Some were hit and miss, others were fascinating. Some were just plain wrong or horrifying. There were about 6 good ones, and each movie had it's own line of dolls and exclusives. The one thing I love about the movies, and TV shows are how they were animated. Sometimes, there are glitches, other times they intentionally made the video so hilarious you are left to wonder, "What did I just watch?" The hair in the animation is also fun to look at! I remember being fascinated by how their hair just flew around them. It was a bit funny. Its easy to tell that it took more then just a couple of hours to throw this animation together. The time and efforts the workers took into some of these movies really paid off! Each movie or almost each movie came with a soundtrack. Yes they are for little girls, but the singers aren't half-bad. This isn't a marry had a little lamb. This is pure 90's pop! It's so perfect! Plus some of the songs are just so good (hint. hint.) , It's hard not to dance or sing to them. (I am the 1%) And I'm O.K. with that!
The only movie I ever hated from the Bratz was the Bratz Super Babyz. and BOY did I HATE this movie. It was terrifying. (refer to scary picture below)
The Bratz have some Nintendo DS games which have come out since the DS became a thing. I however, really like the PlayStation 2 and Nintendo GameCube games. They were fabou. I would ALWAYS laugh at these games. They were so much fun. There was always this same glitch every time you'd put makeup on the Bratz. The right side of their face would always twitch when highlighting them. And it seemed no matter what you did, the boyz always made fun of the way you'd dress your Bratz. My only complaint was how the map kept changing with each new installment in the series. It was like the mall was always getting a redo / makeover. The games were what got me use to the music. I guess that's really why I like it.
The new media the Bratz have until their new movies are worked on and finished, is the Bratz Web-series. (See Video) It's actually pretty funny. I love laughing at this series they are a bit dull in some cases.(I'm looking at you Angel, and Pretty Princess) Those names fit these new old-characters new personalities though. I'm just hoping Raya will get stung by that one beez! That would be pretty hilarious!
Evaluation of Bratz Artwork
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| Bratz 2001 |
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| Bratz 2006 |
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| Bratz 2008 |
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| Bratz 2010 |
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| Bratz 2013 |
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| Bratz 2015 |
People shouldn't care what others do with the $300 in merchandise that their parents spent on them as a child. There shouldn't even be a question over weather to or not to keep our childhood toys. My parents never played toys with me, but they bought these dolls and really? I have to explain to you why I want to keep, and make use of my $300 worth of dolls? DO I need a reason?
I wasn't an only child, I learned how to share my toys, but sharing doesn't mean selling or giving away does it? And unless I really like you, I'm never giving away any of my Bratz. They were my childhood, my nostalgia, and the only occasional thing my parents could afford. Society will not take that away from me just because I've lived longer then 12 years.
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