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I read an article about the new Bratz movie that's supposed to come out. No, it's not one of those stupid direct-to-DVD animated movies. It's an actual full-length live-action feature. I s**t you not. American Idol judge and washed-up former 80s pop star Paula Abdul, who plays an integral part in the film, had this to say:

"As a brand, Bratz encourages young girls to follow their dreams and express themselves. This authentic and organic philosophy has always been an important part of my life and my work and I will always continue to nurture new talent while keeping their dreams alive. As far as I'm concerned, it's a message that can't be repeated enough."

OH WOW. You must be on something. How does dressing like a streetwalker equate to "following one's dream and expressing oneself?" While I understand that Bratz are slightly more relatable than Barbies (we can't all be mermaid fairy princesses with magical feline sidekicks, here), they don't represent the age group they're being marketed to, really. In a positive way, anyway. What we're looking at with Bratz dolls are basically plastic versions of the Pussycat Dolls. The makeup is overdone, the clothes are slutty, and the overall message is negative toward young development.

Realize that with the Bratz (as well as the PCD, and other factors) came the birth of what are known now as "prostitots." These are kids aged around 9-14 (give or take a few years) who often engage in sexual activity, way before they're fully developed. Because of the Bratz, PCD, and media overall, children are being fed all this nonsense that at 9 years old, it's OK to wear mini-mini-mini skirts and go around telling people how many boys you've slept with (not including Mr. Happy Bear).

Certainly I'm not one to shove stuff like this down people's throats, but it's something I find irritating to a great extent. Children are more susceptible, and parents are just lazier overall.

--Crymson