My Two Cents: Please Try Not To Insult My Intelligence Ty Inc.!
January 27, 2009 by Kimberly · 14 Comments
This year, I’ve decided to (on occasion) write posts giving my opinion (2 cents!) on random issues that I have a definite opinion about. (Honestly, I try not to get too caught up in a lot of “issues”, but certain things just “hit a nerve”.)
One thing that I really don’t like is when companies act like consumers are stupid. In my opinion, that’s what Ty Inc. is doing with the Malia and Sasha dolls issue. (You’ll notice that I don’t link to the company or show an image of the dolls. I don’t want to give them more “free press” than they’re already receiving!)
Anyway, quick background (in case you’re interested). It is reported that First Lady Michelle Obama is not happy about two new dolls that Ty Inc. placed on the market this month. Her rep is quoted as saying that it is “inappropriate to use young, private citizens for marketing purposes.” The two dolls at issue are “Marvelous Malia” and “Sweet Sasha”, two brown-colored dolls.
Here’s the part that annoys me… Ty Inc.’s people are saying that the dolls’ names were chosen because “they are beautiful names” not because of the Obama children. PLEASE. Does Ty Inc. think that we consumers are ignorant? Oh yes, you just happened to release two brown dolls with the same names as the new President’s brown daughters on the very month that the President was inaugurated? I don’t think so!
Instead of lying, Ty Inc. could have responded in a variety of ways. My top two choices:
1. They could have acknowledged that they should have asked for the Obamas consent before making the dolls in their daughters’ names and likeness. Then, perhaps they could have worked with the first family to see if there was some type of charity or something that they would like a percentage of the sales to go towards.
Or Even
2. They could have acknowledged that yes; the dolls were inspired by the Obama girls but that they don’t have a legal obligation to get the family’s consent since the names aren’t trademarked.
However, they did neither. Because of that, I would never buy those dolls for any girl in my life. (What a shame, because they’re relatively few Black dolls on the market. This could have been a great set of dolls for the Ty line.) In fact, I won’t be purchasing any more Ty products in the near future. I really try to watch where my dollars are spent and I refuse to support companies that don’t respect their customers enough to be honest with them!
I know that in the grand scheme of things, this really isn’t a big deal. But what do you think? Am I missing something? Is it possible that Ty is being honest?! (For the record, I would be equally insulted if they did this type of thing with any celebrity kid – i.e. a “Suri” doll that favored Tom Cruise’s daughter; etc.; etc.)
yeah, thats pretty annoying. I cant stand when companies dont take the high road.
trisha
momdot
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I agree. It is time for honesty in corporate America. I am so sick of the lying. Thats like me coming out with a male doll named Blago that everytime you pull his string he says “money for a seat, money for a seat”
Yeah — I’m with you. I’m not sure that it’s very appropriate — even IF they admitted it.
It was shady and they know it! I won’t ever buy their products. So, no, you didn’t miss anything at all.
Yes, calculating choice of names and a massively disingenuous response to complaints.
You are so right on the money with your blog post about Ty! I saw the report on Sunday morning, and I just about dropped my jaw! It IS an insult to the Obama family’s intelligence as well as the American consumer’s intelliegence that we would actually buy into the Ty reps saying there was no intentional link to Malia and Sasha.
Ty? Buy Ty? No sir! No ma’am!
Thanks for sharing your sentiments with your community of readers!
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I have not seen the dolls, but do think having dolls in the likeness of the First Kids is odd. These kids are not adult celebrities like Jessica Simpson and Kimore Lee Simonds.
Hmm. hadn’t heard of that ‘controversy’ yet.
I completely agree. It’s hard to even know what to say in the face of such ridiculousness! I’m afraid my mouth would be hanging open and I’d be shocked speechless. There’s nothing that gets me more than someone assuming I’m an idiot/ ie: lying to my face. Dumb. Dumb. Dumb.
Ok, now I wasn’t all hot and bothered when I read it, but now I have to go let off some steam. lol
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Yes, it’s crazy how “little” things like this are so annoying!
I agree. It would even be different if they were child actors/entertainers who CHOSE to be in the spotlight themselves.
That Blago reference is hilarious! Dishonesty really bothers me…
You are right. This situation is inappropriate on so many levels. Personally, the dishonesty bothers me the most. I really hate being lied to!
I like your little “chant”
I said a big “yeah, right” when I read the article too. The dolls are adorable but I can’t get past the lie.
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