The American Girl doll brand is causing outrage over its new book aimed at kids that discusses gender issues, including advice on transitioning and information about puberty blocker drugs.
The 96- page tome, “A Smart Girl’s Guide: Body Image,” has a section featuring a transgender rights flag and an image of a youngster apparently talking to a doctor about gender issues.
The text discusses using pronouns such as “they” to describe oneself and declares that “Studies show that transgender and nonbinary kids who get help from doctors have much better mental health than those who don’t.”
The progressive message aimed at youngsters from a company better known for selling high-priced, wholesome dolls has angered some parents. “Incredibly disappointed in your book ‘Body Image’ Let these little girls be little girls. Stop the disgusting push to introduce topics too mature. It is NOT your place,” one mother wrote on Twitter.
The book explains to its targeted audience of girls ages 8 to 11 that, “The way you show your gender to the world through clothes and behaviors is your gender expression.”
“Your gender expression can be feminine, masculine, or somewhere in between — and it might change! Maybe you’ll experiment with bright dresses and long, feminine hairstyles. Or you might try baggy shorts, plaid shirts, and a buzzed haircut. Your gender expression should make you feel at home in your body,” the book states, according to the Daily Mail.
“Parts of your body may make you feel uncomfortable and you may want to change the way you look. … ‘That’s totally OK!” The book later adds, “If you haven’t gone through puberty yet, the doctor might offer medicine to delay your body’s changes, giving you more time to think about your gender identity.” “You can appreciate your body for everything it allows you to experience and still want to change certain things about it,” the book advises. (SOURCE)
