We have mixed views on the latest doll that was released by American Girl.  The doll, named Gwen, is homeless due to family distress. After reading the article in the Sun-Times, “The New American Girl Doll: Homeless” written by Sandra Guy (Oct. 1, 2009), we are not completely opposed to the idea. The doll may heighten awareness of the 1.5 million American children who experience homelessness each year.  The doll may be valuable in giving kids that are not impacted by homelessness the opportunity to get a small insight of another child’s experience.  On the other hand, capitalizing on the misfortune of families that have fallen on hard times is not right. In addition, the $95 price tag makes the doll out of reach for many families struggling with basic needs.

Reportedly, American Girl has helped organizations assisting families in need, including HomeAid America and Kids in Distressed Situations.  These are worthwhile efforts by American Girl but more should be done.  There are solutions to homelessness and American Girl should contribute even more substantially to efforts to end homelessness.  Then, Gwen, the doll who has experienced homelessness, can move from a doll representing a child in 2009 to the historical doll collection. And the current plight of too many of our children can become history.

Read the Chicago Sun-Times article,
http://www.suntimes.com/business/1800690,CST-FIN-HOMELESS01.article

submitted by: Sherry Johnson, Assistant Office Manager and Patricia Nix-Hodes, Associate Director of the Law Project