First Lady Not A Fan of Sweet Sasha and Marvelous Malia Dolls

UPDATE: First lady Michelle Obama considers dolls "inappropriate." To read the full article click here.

One of the ripple effects of having a beautiful, traditional, first family of color, is that many of the broader stereotypical portrayals of the black family will become less influential in our society -- and hopefully less ubiquitous.

For many people, of all colors, seeing an affluent black family, headed by a father, is a new thing not experienced since 'The Cosby Show.' And the lovely littlest Obamas, Sasha and Malia, have warmed the hearts of almost all who watch them, inspiring young girls of all colors to "want to be just like them."

So, in true capitalist fashion, Ty Inc., the creators of Beanie Babies have created Sweet Sasha and Marvelous Malia dolls, although the Ty spokesman adamantly denies that the dolls are designed in the likeness of the first sisters.

But momma's still mad. "We believe it is inappropriate to use young private citizens for marketing purposes," Mrs. Obama's spokeswoman said. ...

According to Associated Press:

The company that makes the popular Beanie Babies is hoping for two more big winners with dolls named "Sweet Sasha" and "Marvelous Malia." But, no, the names do not refer to President Barack Obama's daughters, a Ty Inc. spokeswoman says. Honest!

Ty released the 12-inch dolls as part of the company's TyGirlz Collection. The Sasha doll has pigtails and wears a white and pink dress with hearts. The Malia doll has a side ponytail and a long-sleeve shirt with capri pants.

The Oak Brook-based company chose the names because "they are beautiful names," not because of any resemblance to Malia and Sasha Obama, said spokeswoman Tania Lundeen. "There's nothing on the dolls that refers to the Obama girls," Lundeen said. "It would not be fair to say they are exact replications of these girls. They are not."

Still, it's likely that the dolls will sell well as the public seems to have a big appetite for all things Sasha and Malia:

The dolls have bronze skin and "real doll hair," Lundeen said. They were introduced in early January and a limited supply has been shipped to retailers.

In the real world, 7-year-old Sasha and 10-year-old Malia have been the focus of intense interest. A throng of reporters followed their first day at school, and news reports detailed what they wore on Inauguration Day.

That fascination will make the dolls a success, said Denise Gary Robinson, president of DollsLikeMe.com, an online specialty doll boutique that specializes in ethnic dolls, toys and gifts.

"Girls all over the world, of all colors, will be looking for these dolls. They want to identify with these two girls," Robinson said. Source

Will you buy the Sasha and Malia dolls?