I think the Dolls are a step too far though, that's making it *personal* and targeting the kids specifically, which is really over the line for us. And I agree with Kathy's comment about the way the kids could catch the backlash, that's just irresponsible marketing.
I agree that there should be some discrimination among ad campaigns, admittedly my wife and I have a somewhat "focused" view as we run IKEA related community sites :-). One of the main reasons we love IKEA enough to DO that though has to do with their environmental policies, which I don't think many folks appreciate. http://www.ikeafans.com/blog/tag/obama/ contains most of what I've put together on the topic so far, though there are still a couple of installments to go.
James
of VA
@
Jan 31, 2009 10:04:20 AM
Obama Dolls
The Obama girls are money makers. If they wear a particular brand that company's website crashes. This is not the first time, someone named something after a first child. The Babe Ruth candybar, for example was named after Grover Cleveland's little girl, Ruth. There was a Carolyn Kennedy doll as well. I would be more concerned of people hidding behind bushes taking their pictures or getting people to talk about them. When it comes to a doll, I believe that we need to take a deep breath. Sometimes a doll is just a doll. The girls' will not experience any psychological harm. In years to come, they probablty will laugh over the whole thing.
Hannah
of FL
@
Jan 27, 2009 17:59:55 PM
Cashing In on the Obama-Industrial Complex
These two young girls deserve a normal childhood. They are going to have enough on them just being the daughters of the President of the U.S., let them be because there are children who will tease them and be cruel to them about having dolls named after them. Kids can be really mean.
Kathy
of TX
@
Jan 27, 2009 17:13:52 PM
Such a good question!!! I have a feeling we won't be finding out, though.
Kimberly Palmer
of
@
Jan 27, 2009 16:28:10 PM
Cashing In on the Obama-Industrial Complex
When I was a kid I would have loved to have had a doll named after me.
On second thought - I STILL would love to have a doll named after me.
We know how Mrs. Obama feels about this; how do her daughters feel?
Kimberly Palmer, senior editor for U.S. News & World Report, writes about how to save money, avoid scams, manage debt, and be a savvy shopper. Send your personal finance questions to her for expert money advice.
James of VA @ Jan 31, 2009 10:04:20 AM
Hannah of FL @ Jan 27, 2009 17:59:55 PM
Kathy of TX @ Jan 27, 2009 17:13:52 PM
Kimberly Palmer of @ Jan 27, 2009 16:28:10 PM
Lillian of TX @ Jan 27, 2009 16:23:14 PM
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