Dora is growing up

  Mattel and Nickelodeon recently rolled out an image of a new "tween" Dora.  The new Dora has moved to the big city, attends middle school and has a whole new look.

This new grown-up version will be released this fall and will launch with an online world that allows girls to explore, play games, customize, and most importantly solve mysteries with Dora and her new friends.

Parents will be able to purchase new fashions and accessory sets for their kids, which will each unlock a new location for Virtual Dora to explore.

So, Dora is growing up.  What fascinates me is the backlash Mattel has had over this new tween Dora. Moms are pissed.  Really pissed.  There's even a petition that parents can sign urging Mattel not to change Dora's image.

My boys both watch Dora. They both enjoy Dora.  And yet I have no problem with a new, older, trendier Dora.  I think it's pretty reminiscent of real life.  When girls get old enough to dress themselves and mom stops cutting their hair with a bowl, they want to be cute, to shop at Limited Too, to wear pretty dresses.  Why is it so bad that Dora is growing up?

Are people really offended by the new image?  Or just that opposed to change?

I might have a problem if they were turning her into Barbie. Now, Barbie...well, she's kind of a *** - with those perky boobs, no waist and sexy outfits, she's just asking for some negative criticism. But this new Dora?  She's cute! She's dressed appropriately, wearing flats even, and perfectly acceptable to me. I'd have no problems letting my boys watch a show or play with a "tween" Dora doll.  I don't think letting Dora grow up a bit, grow her hair long and wear a dress is going to ruin the minds of young girls everywhere. I don't think they need the old Dora to grow up with self-confidence.  I think that has much more to do with their parents than Dora. At least I hope it does.  Yes, the old Dora shouts out "I am a fashion disaster and have a bowl cut and yet I'm still wildly popular!". I love that she's so frumpy and yet so loved. That's great. But why are we hating on the fashionable Dora?  Are girls not allowed to grow up and change their looks?

Hell, if you really think about it, old Dora is wearing a belly shirt.  What does THAT say about her? :)

What are your thoughts?