Each American Girl Doll comes with a book about the particular doll. Recently a new doll named "Gwen" has caused contriversay. Gwen is homeless. Some feel the new theme doll is a good idea which helps educate girls about the reality of homelessness.
One of the reasons people are concerned is that the doll sells for $95, which would make it doubtful a homeless child could affort to purchase one. Also, no percentage of the profits go to the aid of the homeless, although American Girls has donated $500,000 since 2006 to Home Aid, which helps the homeless find housing (http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/09/26/earlyshow/saturday/main5343132.shtml).
I believe children need to be aware of the hardships some of their friends and classmates deal with, although, I certainly don't believe the children should be pointed out. Reality is, homelessness is a serious matter facing many families in this day.
I applaud American Girl for taking the risk of contriversary to bring an ignored situation to the forefront.
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