Social Commentary by guest blogger Anna Conkle

This season, why get a Strawberry Shortcake or CareBear for your 6-year-old daughter, when you can teach the values of make-up, fashion, and boys with the new Toy of the Year....The BRATZ!

A Saturday in December was the best place to learn more about this phenomenon. I set out to collect verbatim comments from the crowded Bratz aisle at Target. "Isn't Chloe pretty, mom?" from a toddler holding up a doll with glitter on her legs peaking through a transparent mini- skirt. "Oh, yes, honey!" And a mom's cell phone call home of "I know Sarah said she wanted a Bratz Safari, but which one....oh, she doesn't?...well then, I'm getting Yasmin, she's the hottest." Not once did I hear the expected commentary "What are these trashy sluts doing on our daughter's Christmas lists?"

Now, Wild Life Safari Chloe happens to be wearing a camouflage bra, cargo capris, high-heeled sandals, and an expensive-looking purse. (though she does has a change of clothes consisting of a halter top and mini skirt)
"Tons of Thrilling Accessories" is prominently displayed on the package, which consist of a water bottle, earrings, and some other unidentifiable objects one would probably find in a convenience store bathroom, the only other venue such "thrilling accessories" can be found.
I worried about Chloe's survival in the Wild Life until I discovered that the adventure involved "hitting the clubs and cafes"...and that Wild Life is two separate words...

And then we have the "Blind Date" edition, the two-doll combo pack with the Bratz Boy hidden behind the packaging. Who will be Sasha's date? It could be Cade, Dylan, Eitan, Cameron, or Koby. Let's hope it's Koby, affectionately called the "Panther" by the Bratz because he's "always on the prowl."

We wonder we junior high girls dress and act the way they do...my friends, the answer can be found on aisle 17 at Target.

To learn more about the Bratz, please visit www.bratzpack.com, where you will also find the Celebrity Photo Gallery where Paris Hilton, Usher, and Tom DeLonge of Blink 182 "pose" with Bratz dolls.

And for those of you still shopping for my Christmas present this year...