This seems innocuous enough, but then you’ll see a notice that 70 cents of every dollar raised from selling the bracelet goes to Girls Inc., described as “a national organization dedicated to inspiring all girls to be strong, smart and bold.” Again, that doesn’t sound so bad -- until you go to the Girls Inc. Web site.
There, we find that Girls Inc. “encourages all girls to develop positive sexual identities and to function comfortably as responsible sexual beings.” OK, I thought we were talking about girls and their dolls. How did we make the jump to them as “sexual beings”? But the folks at Girls Inc. are just warming up:
“To make responsible decisions about sexuality, pregnancy and parenthood, girls need and have a right to sensitive, truthful sexuality education; convenient access to safe, effective methods of contraception and protection from disease; and referral to comprehensive information, counseling, clinical and other services that support their responsible decisions. We recognize that any sizable group of girls includes those who face issues related to their sexual orientation or that of a family member and who face discrimination based on this sexual orientation. Girls have a right to positive, supportive environments and linkages to community resources for dealing with issues of sexual orientation.”
Whoa. In other words, American Girl is sponsoring a group that promotes access to abortion and contraception for young girls, along with what sounds like a rather graphic sex-ed course for our daughters. And if they have lesbian tendencies, that’s apparently no problem for the folks at Girls Inc.
Indeed, it’s to be encouraged.
The Web site goes on make its support for abortion on demand clear:
“We recognize the right of all women to choose whether, when, and under what circumstances to bear children. Reproductive freedom and responsibility are essential to other rights and opportunities, including pursuit of education, employment, financial security and a stable and fulfilling family life. Restrictions of reproductive choice are especially burdensome for young women and poor women. Girls Incorporated supports a woman’s freedom of choice, a constitutional right established by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1973 in Roe vs. Wade.”
What a shocking and sad decision by a company that has long enjoyed the support of moms hoping for safe harbor from the more explicit and, frankly, trashy dolls that one finds at toy stores these days. Not surprisingly, American Girl’s tasteless decision to help sponsor the radical feminist agenda has sparked outrage nationwide. Some groups are urging boycotts and encouraging customers to voice their displeasure to the company.
A Catholic school in Brookfield, Wisc., St. Luke School, did its part by canceling a fashion show by American Girl. The money raised would have gone toward a new playground and a refurbished library. “It’s a bargain we’ll just have to pass up,” Frank Malloy, St. Luke’s pastor, said. “The cost is too high. Our integrity isn’t for sale.”
Let's hope that American Girl has its own attack of conscience -- and reconsiders its disgraceful support of Girls Inc.