Barbie News: The Sugar Daddy Ken Doll Causes Controversy–And it Should!
Society is soooooo warped. It’s always something. First Barbie was teaching little girls how to play house before they even hit puberty and then having the Ken doll was supposed to persuade them to have a boyfriend, as they practiced out scolding dialog on the doll. Then she was nudged to crave a car and a house in Maibu, which Ken was urged to buy for her. Now a Sugar Daddy Ken doll? Thankfully I have no little children and if I did, this would be totally off limits. Yes, I get it, it’s just a doll and they mention something about “Sugar” being his dog (which I don’t believe) BUT I think the best Barbie idea I actually gelled with was when she had a career. That’s a self-sufficient lesson for all girls in my opinion. Get a job Barbie! And Ken, flip flops and pink leash? I know at least 3 male fashion bloggers who could have designed a better outfit for Ken. Mattel executives should be flogged for this.
“This year is Barbie’s 50th anniversary, but lately, it’s been the iconic doll’s companion, Ken, that’s been getting all the attention: A new Ken doll called “Sugar’s Daddy Ken” is prompting snickers for its suggestive-sounding name.
In fact, several Web sites refer to the doll, which is due to make its official debut next year, by a slightly different name — “Sugar Daddy Ken.”
Dressed in an ornately-patterned, bright green jacket, pink polo shirt and white pants, the doll is part of toy giant Mattel’s new Palm Beach doll line, which is geared for adult Barbie collectors and supposed to exemplify classic Palm Beach fashion. (For a full picture of Sugar’s Daddy Ken, click here.)
Mattel says the doll’s name is in reference to Ken’s pet — Sugar, a white West Highland terrier that Ken leads on a pink leash. The dog is included with the doll, along with several accessories, including sandals, sunglasses and swim trunks.
Asked about the possibility that the doll’s name may be misinterpreted, a Mattel spokeswoman wasn’t fazed.
“At the end of the day, this collection is targeted toward adults,” said spokeswoman Michelle Chidoni. “While the name of the doll does refer back to the dog, I think people are going to interpret it as they want to interpret it.”
Categories: Uncategorized | 
Tags: | 
18 Comments »
I’m tempted to buy one and cut its head off.
Isn’t he creepy!
)
I might buy the idea (not the doll) if they had an equivalent “aged” Barbie (she is now 50)…but then, with the great ideas they’ve been having over at Mattel’s), they’d probably make her a Cougar!
Maybe leading her “boy toy” with a black studded collar…and chain leash?? Haha…
Princess D, if you buy one and decapitate it, I’ll buy one and crucify it. (On an unrelated note, I wish they’d make a Sartorialist Barbie and Ken. They could have a series Sartorialist Barbie Milan, Paris, New York, London, Stockholm)
They no doggone well the name of this doll has nothing to do with the pooch on the leash! This such a HAM…Mattel, you’ve got to do better…
Piroska yes he is creepy and looks like he’ll do unseemly things!
Frances yes, lets start a bondfire and melt all of the leftover pieces.
Tiffany you’re right they ‘ve got to do better.
The doll reminds me of Chuck Bass and does reiterate stereotypes and places emphasis on lavish living. Though haute, by no means does he exude sugar daddy. He certainly looks sweet…xoxo
umm am I the only one that notices that ummm he’s not a sugar daddy….he’s a “sugar” daddy (add a snap). He’s ummmm reflective of “Some” of the Male Gay community in Miami. Hell! Ken is Gay geez. He’s not tossing money to Barbie and making her friends his hoes, no, he’s shopping with Barbie and hooking her up with style advise. I’m shocked by the doll but I think its interesting. I’d name him Andy Cohen, though Andy has better style. lol. Ken is out and he’s proud, you betta work!
Chocl8fashnista you’re right, a stereotype for sure.
Errr…ummm yep a “sugar” daddy and poor Barbie is none the wiser.
Sugar Daddy Ken does not look like he wants Barbie…Err…ummm… ummm!
Why noit call this doll what it REALLY is–the Gay Ken doll? Oh wait….the oriuginal Ken was gay, wasn’t he? Maybe they could have marketed it better (for adults, supposedly) had they called it metrosexual Ken.
What’s next? I can envision “The Easy Bake Methamphetamine Oven,” and the “Tomka Human Smuggling Van.”
Wanza I agree with you. They think by labeling it not for kids that kids aren’t going to want it. That will only make them want it more, especially if it comes with that tiny dog. I mean, really.
Tim I think they were trying to cause a stir–mission accomplished. But the names for your proposed spin off toys cracked me up. Don’t suggest it too loudly though. Mattel is listening and surfing the net!
this doll is weird. just plain bizarre. i don’t get it at all. who wants something like this?
thefatandskinny I don’t know. I mean if he were more fashionable maybe, but that lime green is killing me!
I’ve got it. I finally figured out why this doll is so creepy to me. Ken used to have molded hair now you can actually comb it. Ewww.
I wanted to keep all of the thoughts on this weird Ken doll in one place. Here are what some of my Facebook friends had to say:
“Linda I saw that doll I was cracking up I showed my whole family!”
“That doll looks like a young Hugh Hefner!”
“He’s “sweet” for sure! ROFL!”
“That is way crazy! They know just what they are doing.”
“That is SO tacky …”
“Wrong, just plain wrong!”
“Girl I thought that was Home Interior Kenne’. I’m seriously thinking Mattel is grasping at straws”
“They are trying with all their might to breathe life into that Ken doll. He has expired. Let him go.”
“Very creepy!”
“That Ken looks more like Pimp Daddy Ken with the two hookerish Barbies in the background. But the fou fou dog and the flip flops make me wonder where his “life partner” might be?”
Dominique, please don’t cut the doll head off. LOL.
And I too refuse to believe the “sugar” refers to the dog. Mattel should be ashamed of themselves. It’s funny, yet so sad.
Don I’m glad I’m not alone.