I thought my youngest had outgrown her doll fetish, but she recently announced she’s asking Santa for a doll that talks and cries. Me being me, I immediately hit the internet in search of the perfect one. I Googled “talking doll” and discovered … a series of news reports about dolls swearing, threatening and preaching at children.
And you thought Chucky was just a movie character.
In 1998, parents in the United States were furious because they believed their children’s Teletubby doll, Poe, was saying ‘Faggot, faggot, bite my butt’. Play this YouTube clip and I think you’ll agree they have a point about the “faggot” bit …
Two years later, a Californian mother threatened a lawsuit because she was convinced that a Teletubby doll was telling her child ‘I got a gun, I got a gun, run away, run away’.
In 2006 a mother complained that a Mattel Little Mermaid doll called her daughter ‘a slut’.
In 2008, Florida parents claimed that a Tickle Me Elmo doll made death threats against their son, James. Mother Melissa Bowman said that when her son squeezed the doll’s belly, the Sesame Street character said: ‘Kill James.’
In 2008, the Little Mommy Cuddle ‘n Coo doll was accused of proclaiming ‘Islam is the light’ to baffled children (and shocked parents). It was also reported to have uttered: ‘Satan is King’. The manufacturer, Mattel, denied allegations that a Muslim worker has tampered with the doll’s voice box.
Last year, US parents called for the “You & Me Interactive Play & Giggle Triplet Dolls” to be pulled from Toys R Us shelves because one of the dolls says: “You crazy bitch.”
Head to YouTube to be creeped out by the way the doll turns it’s head and babbles … then gasp – that plastic bubba definitely has a potty mouth!
Undeterred by the bizarre turn my search had taken, I was quite tempted by a doll that children can give a potty mouth. The Little Mommy Talk With Me Doll “dressed in a precious purple tutu, records and repeats what you say — in her own cute voice — and also speaks 20 charming phrases of her own!”
Imagine the possibilities in the wrong hands … But I couldn’t find a stockist in Australia.
So I settled for the Baby Alive Wanna Walk Doll, which “is ready to walk – and she can really “learn” do it with your help and loving care! She has lots to say, too, with more than 40 fun phrases and sounds like “Hold on tight!” and “I did it!” Walking makes her happy, but she’ll be happiest when you scoop her up and give her lots of hugs to show her how proud you are!”
Sprog 2 better not change her mind about it between now and December 24. I could never understand why my mum got so cranky when I changed my mind about Christmas gifts at the last minute. I mean, it wasn’t her problem …
WHAT DO YOUR KIDS WANT FOR CHRISTMAS?
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