There are many girls that enjoy some superhero with their princesses, and if this describes your child, you may be excited to learn that DC Super Hero Girls, which is a collaboration among DC Entertainment, Warner Bros. Animation, Warner Bros. Consumer Products and Mattel, is planning on launching an entire line this fall geared towards girls. The line will include Wonder Woman, Supergirl, Batgirl, Harley Quinn, Bumble Bee, Poison Ivy and Katana in their teen years. Look out for action figures, clothes, books, and videos based on these characters.
The new line will feature “storytelling that helps build character and confidence and empowers girls to discover their true potential,” says DC Entertainment in a press release. “Each character has her own story line that explores what teen life is like as a Super Hero, including discovering her unique abilities, nurturing her remarkable powers and mastering the fundamentals of being a hero.”
Reactions have been mixed. Superheros have always been primarily seen as “boy toys” even being segregated in to the boys section of most toy stores. Many parents are pleased with the refreshing line which encourages girls to experience the superhero world, while some are annoyed that this is only furthering the gender stereotype by gearing it to “girls only.”
“Targeting them as ‘for girls only’ is just another way to be exclusive,” says writer Jenna Busch on female-focused sci-fi site Legion of Leia . “Look, I appreciate the effort, but drawing yet another line between men and women is not the way to go. So, where are you going to put these products in Target? On the pink side of the toy section or the blue side?”
I have to agree with Jenna. I believe toys need to stop being labeled as “boy” and “girl”. Gender defined aisles at the store can make some boys and girls feel embarrassed if they have a desire to play with a toy that is not in their “gender assigned” section. Girls should be comfortable playing with superheros and Legos if they choose, and boys shouldn’t be uncomfortable if they want a doll or craft kit.
What are your thoughts? Is this new line just creating a larger gap between gender lines by pushing more “exclusivity”, or is it a good start?
