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This time the Chicago Sun-Times.
Politicians beat up on American Girl doll
What I don't understand is why they're so mad at AG. It was the author's decision to say that and if they're going to get mad at anybody it should be the author, who probably visited the neighborhood while writing the book. I seriously doubt anyone at AG had even even heard of Pilsen before all of this!
I have a degree in city planning and responded in the previous post but no, you don't have to move to the suburbs to raise your children BUT instilled in all americans is the post war ideal of the American dream which includes autos, a single-family detached home and tree lined streets with back yard and white picket fences.
The Federal Government markets this dream, both after ww2 and now through subsidized home loans, freeway and highway incentives (and limiting funding to mass transit) and the auto lobby.
I hope Pilsen continues to make progress in improving it's crime rate and that home values rise. Until the perception of the american dream is changed though, cities will continue to be perceived as unsafe.
Okay, I think I over thought this a bit. [img]redface.gif[/img]
I am printing these out for Marisol's scrapbook.
The whole deal is rather rediculous. [img]graemlins/sure.gif[/img]
That is the most ridiculus thing Ive ever read. People need to stop being so overly sensitive with all the politically correct nonsense. [img]tongue.gif[/img] It makes me ill. I mean, if someone ever wrote a book on my hometown and someone left for the city because it was just too boring and the people were too conservative for them, I would say, yeah that sounds like my town. Certain things are just true and no amount of making excuses will change that. Such as, living in the suburbs is safer than in the city. That would be true of ALL cities, whether its San Francisco (the safest in the country) or Detriot. Youre always at a slightly higher risk in the city. [img]tongue.gif[/img] Sorry I just had rant about that. [img]graemlins/smarty.gif[/img]
This is so ridiculous! Marisol is on ever news station, lined up with 100,000 people killed from the tsunami...hummm...which is more important! People dying or a doll that isn't controversial at all! It makes me truly frustrated when people complain about stupid things like that when the world we live in is falling apart!
It reminds me of when Harry Potter first came out, boy was that a mess!
It's just a book a fictional story,get over it.I am telling you AG is probably happy and not upset over this,it is free advertisment and it will just make Marisol more popular.End of story.
Political correctness has gone to far.
Let's face it SUBURBS ARE SAFER THAN INNER-CITY NEIGHBORHOODS. No amount of whining will change that. Get over it. Were not going to live in the world of happy sunshine where were not going to to get "insulted"
If they don't mention Pilsen *specifically by name* then what do they have to complain about? If someone who lives outside of Chicago reads the book they aren't going to know that Marisol lives in Pilsen from the street address! These people need to do something better with their time then beat up on a doll!
Wow, what an article!!! I cannot believe how they attacked the author's sentences and also idea for Marisol. I do not think this will be the end of it. American Girl could actually pull the plug on Marisol or re write the book. [img]rolleyes.gif[/img] But the story stated that Marisol's parents wanted to move out of the neighborhood cause it was not ideal for Marisol to grow up in. I wonder what would had happened if the book was set in Brooklyn NY!!!! [img]graemlins/wonder.gif[/img]
Who is familiar with this area? Is it near St. Procopius or St. Adelberts?
If so, that's where my ancestors settled. I've heard it's now a Hispanic community. Pilsen was the Czech town where they came from.
I'm really curious. Would love to know if this is the same neighborhood. My ancestors lived on 18th street according to census records.
If AG does change the book, the original will be a real collector's item. Do any of you remember the Barbie in the early 90's that said, "I hate math." Well it was a bit controversial, she was pulled (at least the ones with that phrase) and became a collector's item.
*Digs around in pocket for a few coins and deposits 2 pennies in the group jar* Just adding my 2 cents to the topic [img]smile.gif[/img]
Anyways I agree, it is quite silly for people to get so freaked out over such a slight mention in a childrens book. I seriously doubt any of the children who read it even noticed it!
And I know it isn't fun to have your hometown insulted but there isn't really much you can do about it, especially if its true. For example recently Detriot was getting ripped on because of that big basketball fight. Basically all cities have their downfalls and sometimes those downfalls are noticed.
Also think of it in a more positive perspective. Ag has had so much popularity with the Samantha movie and Marisol and all, maybe a little controversy and negetive media could be a good thing. If less people buy AG because of the thing with Marisol's book maybe there will be less backorders [img]smile.gif[/img] (And please don't bite my head off, I'm not hoping people will lose intrest on AG, just trying to be optimistic [img]smile.gif[/img] )
Coming from a city that has been the butt of jokes sometimes (even in movies). Seattle.... Get over yourselves people...jeezzzz. We don't get all uptight when someone makes a weather crack about us that makes are city look bleak, and our crime rate is somewhat high depending where you live (Ranier area). That is just the way it is people.
IT WAS ONE FREAKING LINE!!!! Read the whole story, they want Marisol to have a yard to play in, and the danger was in reference to the street. It is that whole American Dream thing. Two cars, house in the suburbs... all of that stuff. Would this people just get a LIFE!!!
If the citizens of Pilsen hadn't said anything, nobody would have known. I've never been to Chicago, so I had no earthly idea that Marisol lived on a real street. I wouldn't have given the sentance a second thought. And from what I've seen, her parents don't give a specific reason for moving, they just want a better environment for Marisol. I haven't read the book, but when I do I will be paying very close attention to that aspect.
[img]graemlins/whatever.gif[/img] This politician is just trying to get brownie points with the community. It's so moronic...instead of being HAPPY that there's a beautiful little doll representing Latina girls...
Michele, how cool that you can trace back your family roots to a specific area like that! Quite interesting. I know St. Procopius is fairly close to the park they mention in Marisol's story... I actually was right next to Procopius for my high school graduation. Really different church now, I think, then when it was settled so long ago by eastern european immigrants, but still standing all the same
While I think some people are taking this a bit too far, I think the neighborhood has full right to be upset. Charles Merriam once said that "Chicago is unique- It is the only completely corrupt city in America." and that area of the city in particular has been called 'the pocket edition of hell'. These are monigers that people have tried to shake for DECADES, so to propigate such ideas in a childrens book is somewhat offensive. Hopefully AG finds a good way to ameliorate hurt feelings there.
P.S. My mother emailed me that link too and also sent this one, http://www.geocities.com/jonathanand...st_pilsen.html
Good background info, at least.
This is so stupid! She's a DOLL!! Controversy over a doll that 8 year olds want for her pretty dance outfits? Its not like the kids that read her book are going to be biased against the city. Marisol's parent's decision to move was their choice, because as parents they thought it was best for their daughter. Other parents love the city and find it a place where girls can prosper and grow. PEOPLE ARE DIFFERENT. Just because a doll moves out of chicago because her parents think it's best doesn't mean everyone has to move. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
I can't believe these politicans have nothing better to do than pick and whine over some doll and children's book. Maybe they should concentrate harder on cleaning the neighborhood up and keeping families safe instead of whining over stupid things. Maybe they wouldn't have so many problems.
Does anybody else wonder just how closely Mr. Politician read this book to find one sentence that was bad about Chicago? Somebody must really love reading children's books about dolls. (masculine of him). Any honestly, who cares that the neighborhood might be a little run-down? It is also, according to the book, a close-knit, loving, friendly community with great schools that offer programs in DANCE!
but then again, maybe I'm too picky:-P
All I can say is: GIVE ME A BREAK!