American Girl Reacts to our Petition
Last night, Jordan and I had an opportunity to speak to Contessa Brewer on CBS News’ live streaming news site, CBSN. We were excited to continue spreading the word about our petition to encourage American Girl Brand to consider adding a limb difference option.
The petition is a week old today. As I write this post, it has more than 12,000 signatures. Crazy, right?
As this petition grew, it started to catch the attention of some of my friends in the news business. I was asked if Jordan and I could go over to one of our area newsrooms after work to record a live interview. Obviously I said yes! Any chance to spread the word is awesome.
Jordan and I had a great time sharing why we are passionate about making limb differences a mainstream look.
You can also watch the whole interview by going to the CBSN website.
I am so proud of Jordan. She did such a good job. This is a strong kid, I tell you. If you watched the video, you know Contessa read a portion of a statement from American Girl. Here’s the whole statement:
“First, we appreciate the enthusiasm and trust our customers have in American Girl to create a particular doll or story. We’re very proud of our positive reputation for diversity and inclusiveness, and we remain committed to exploring and expanding in this important area. The new Diabetes Care Kit and Arm Crutches are further evidence of our ongoing efforts in this space.
Each day, American Girl receives hundreds of passionate requests for specific dolls, stories, or accessories to be created. While we know each request is important, at this time (as in years past) we are unable to accept product ideas or guarantee when, or if, a particular product will be developed. That said, our design teams are constantly exploring new ways to enhance our doll lines with items that resonate with girls on a variety of levels. Girls like Jordan inspire us every day, and we look forward to creating new products, stories, and experiences that celebrate the countless unique qualities in all of them.”
I look at this as more reason to keep the petition going and let the company keep limb differences in the minds of the American Girl design team! I also think it’s very kind of them to mention Jordan. But I think we are even more inspired to encourage the brand to bring limb differences into the mainstream! Let’s keep the petition growing! The kind folks at Change.org helped make it a little easier to share the link. If you are trying to share it, you can now use change.org/dollsfordifference
Use 3-D printers and ask for charitable support. Many people like us would gladly contribute.
I applaud your effort to get an American Girl Doll that looks like Jordan. After watching your intetview on CBS, it seems you have raised a confident.young girl who has learned to speak up for what she wants.
I shared your story on Facebook asking my family and friends to sign the petition, or write to the American Girl Company. My cousin responded that if I could find an address for Jordan, she would love to send her a copy of the book she wrote. It is called “I See Ability” by Cyndi Elliott. One of the characters in the book is a dancer named Lily who has one arm like Jordan. You can send me a private message on Facebook under the name Barbara Fernandez Tosland
Jen, in your GREAT CNSN interview you admitted you’re not the person to try modifying a doll to match your daughter. How about approaching a doll hospital to perform the modification.
[…] I can’t tell you how many parents reached out to me expressing how excited they are that American Girl did not say “no” to building limb different doll options. That’s what we’ve heard for years. Now, […]
I don’t get it… the goal of the American Girl Doll company is not charity – it is business. The only reason to make a product is to sell it. True, diversity is important, but are we looking to capitalism to solve this? In the end… will the company actually sell the dolls that are missing appendages? I doubt it.
I think it is possible to create a profit-making design for parents and doll owners to purchase alternate limbs.
I understand the importance of making a profit as a former business owner but first and foremost what about compassion Love and concern for your fellow man should come first before profit i’m sure the American doll company is making profits on their products I don’t think it would kill them to produce a few dolls that are missing a limb or a deformed Limb and would be surprised how many kids that are out there, their is profit in that market I think of the company did some research they would be surprised at how big that market would be
I’m a small business owner specializing in children with disabilities. I understand the need to make a profit. But American Girl makes more than enough profit to pay out of pocket to build molds for limbs. They don’t need to mass produce… Make them a special order item. All little girls deserve to feel as if they are “normal”. If Barbie can make their dolls figures more ” realistic” to help little girls build confidence, American Girl should follow… They’re objective is to make little girls happy… It should be ALL girls. Not just girls who fit their profit margin.
Thank you for your support, Alida!