11.22.09
LIFESTYLE

POLL: Is Dora the Explorer's Tween Makeover Too Grown Up?

The world's most famous Latina pre-schooler is about to unveil a whole new look, and many moms are not thrilled about it.

Dora the Explorer creator Nickelodeon and Barbie-maker Mattel recently announced plans to launch Dora Explorer Girls, a tween-friendly line of Dora dolls that will appeal to girls ages five and up. Though the new dolls won't be revealed until September, Nickelodeon teased the public with this silhouette image of the new Dora, who looks much daintier than her younger self and is sporting long locks and what appears to be a miniskirt.

Needless to say, parents are already speaking out against the makeover. CNN's Carol Costello reports that worried moms have petitioned Nickelodeon to change their plans, expressing concerns that the new Dora will be too "sexualized" and "boy-crazy" like Barbie and Bratz dolls. But Leigh Anne Brodsky, Nickelodeon's head of Product Development, is trying to assuade those fears: "The reason for this doll line is to offer an alternative to moms who wants their girls to stay little girls a little longer."

Costello, who has seen the new Dora doll with her own eyes, shared her impression with viewers: "I would not say she's sexy or sexualized, but she is attractive. She's a cute doll, but she's not wearing like a little miniskirt or anything like that. And her hair is not as flowing as it was in that silhouette. She's wearing a tunic with leggings and platform heels."

What's your first impression of Dora's new look? Watch the full CNN clip below and then take our poll.

WATCH: "Boy-Crazy" Dora? (via CNN)

 

10 Comments
Why do parents go over borad about something that isn't really important? i man worry about something better to worry about reither then cartoons...its goin one again since the new 50th addation to the barbie...if you don't want your kid to have it simply don't buy it....you all are making harder for the other that are growing up..and who's parent who thinks it retarted to go overborad about something little like dora growing up every kid grows up why can't dora....it will help the pre-teens go through middle school and do good..like the younger dora helps the younger kids and babies...so just get over the fact that dora is growing up....i think it will htelp kids 8 and older who is getting ready to go to middle school...so worry about somthing that is worth worring about...and stop with the little things that really don't matter....like some of the things i have read on here...if u don't like it don't let ur kid watch it....you really can't change something that is big like that...and has been here longer then most parents....like the barbie its been here 50 years most parents who has kids parents are younger then that....so stop worrying about the little things ad worry about what is goin on today in real life and not about a cartoon character....that isn't really real just a made up to make a cartoon to help kids learn how to spech a differnt language
masamba... YOU ARE AN IDIOT!
masamba you are worse then any 2 or three year old child. Your mouth is what is filthy. If you dont want your child to watch the show then dont let them watch. I think the show is a good idea and my son has learned to say many words in spanish since he started watching. He also has learned to count and he knows many different animals. He also watches diego. my son is 2 years old and is very smart and I believe this show has helped alot. Like i said if you dont want your child to watch dont let them watch. kids get older and loose iterest maybe then will enjoy the show longer. I think both versions of the show should be aired on tv.
if you paranoid parents actually stop and think that a silloutte is a shadow of something and does not show detail you might be happy with dora's new look. The finished drawing shows dora with long hair, a purple headband, A blouse that goes over the top of her pants, NOT A MINI SKIRT, and pants. She is also wearing FLAT ballerina style shoes. In my opinion, dora is dressed quite modestly and if my 9 year old daughter (which I do have one) wants to watch the new dora I would let her. I think dora's new look is very cute and age appropriate. After all the new dora is geared towards girls that are 9-12 years old, not preschool aged children. That is what the old dora is for. Do your freaking research before you make assumptions.
Yes, she looks like a little illegal alien tramp, or a poo-tah as you illegals call your women.
Are you kidding me? Do these mothers have nothing better to do than find something negative in something? Give Mattell and Nickelodeon some credit. They didn't become who they are today by making mistakes. And for people exagerating and saying she looks too sexy....I don't see her wearing mini-skirts and pumps like some people. I have two daughters and the out-fit Dora is wearing is an out-fit I would buy for my 7 year old. Find something else to do with your pent up anger....Use this energy and go to the gym.
Why do people go overboard with something like the natural process of "growing up". We all know she's just a cartoon but the way it should be seen is as a way to explain to our growing kids (specially girls) that is a natural process. Besides, aren't we being a bit hypocrite when many (way too many) use their girls 3 and 4 years old for stressful "beauty pageants", putting heavy make up on them and making them do things girls at that age don't even understand just to make mommy "proud".....people just get your priorities straight.
I"m sorry Dora, but the end is near.I have been watching you with my grand daughter for the last four years and its been fun. Looks to me that Mattel can not leave well enough alone. and a Tween is a pre-teen not eight years old. we have all your movies so everyone should quit watching the TV shows and quit buying anything Dora if she changes. The only ones it will hurt is Mattel and the Chinese.
I don't want to jump the gun, but her skirt does seem a bit short, even for a 'tween. But I will wait until the image is revealed before I get all bent out of shape.
Hi~ I don't think that is a skirt but a blouse with leggins :) My daughters wear stuff like that and they are very cute.

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