In Defense of the New "Modern Era" American Girl Dolls

"By now you've likely seen them: 14.5 inches in height vs. the classic 18; Shein-esque attire that nevertheless incorporates the patterns and fabrics specific to their inspirations; perturbingly vacant eyes, even for dolls. They wear chic cowboy boots rather than historical bonnets, pants instead of petticoats. They retail, almost inexplicably, for $90."

"Backlash has been swift and (largely) predictable, centered primarily on both the physicality of the dolls and a perceived ongoing slight toward the historical line, whose collections have continually shrunk over the years as varying dolls cycle through 'retirement' and limited rereleases."

American Girl, owned by Mattel since 1998, is celebrating its 40th anniversary with multiple releases including an adult novel about character Samantha Parkington and the anticipated return of Felicity Merriman. Most notably, the company launched preorders for a new Modern Era Collection featuring six dolls standing 14.5 inches tall instead of the classic 18 inches. These dolls wear contemporary clothing with modern styling, including cowboy boots and pants, and feature notably vacant expressions. Priced at $90 each, they sparked significant backlash from collectors and fans who criticized both the dolls' physical appearance and what they perceive as ongoing neglect of the historical character line, whose collections have continuously shrunk through retirements and limited rereleases.

Read at Slate Magazine