Mattel and Nickelodeon released the new Dora the Explorer to some serious complaints from moms across America. They claim Dora is "too sexy" for their little girls and they don't like it. Like moms need more things to complain about.
The new Dora is "all grown up" and is intended to grow with the viewers. Which, from a business standpoint, is pure genius.You've already got your claws in the little girls, why not extend the grip to tweens?
And, really, shouldn't moms be thankful for the potential to have a wholesome role model for their tweenage daughters? If you're relying on television to provide your daughter with strong role models, you may be looking in the wrong place.
But the bottom line is, Dora has grown up, much like the little girls who watched her. Any mother has a right to be concerned with her daughter entering the tween years, especially in the days dominated by Britney singing "F-U-C-K Me" under a thin disguise.
What's wrong with the new Dora - aside from the awkward leggings and tunic combo? She's lost the shorts that had extreme camel toe potential, and upgraded her hair - which looks totally fabulous, by the way. The jewelry is a little gaudy, but nothing screams tramp, harlot, or hussy. She doesn't have large breasts or abnormally large hips. She's thin, and her head is abnormally large, but she's animated, what were you expecting?
Any image change that was made to Dora was bound to be controversial. If they went with the tomboy look, Dora would have been a lesbian.
I just don't get it - what's all the fuss about? It could have been much worse. Her skin didn't get whiter, her hair didn't get blonder, and she's not wearing spike heels. I'm fairly certain she can still be Dora the Explorer in her ballet flats - I've been on a few treks in mine.