Doesn't the name 'Bratz' say it all?

I just don't get it! In this modern-day-in-age where empowerment, equality and enlightenment are at the forefront in every parents' mind, why the heck are the toy store aisles filled with shallow, sexist, less than innocent toys for our children!!

I was absolutely amazed!

The other day my two children Willow 10, Fisher 7 and I had some time to kill while waiting for some computer repairs, so we decided to hang out at the Toys R Us next door.

The kids had a few bucks to spend, but we were there more to check things out than to buy, so we went up every aisle to see what there was.

Man… are the gender roles clearly marked out for kids!

Boys are supposed to play sports, like fast cars, be superheros and even warriors.

Girls are supposed to like pink, be a princess, grow up to be a 'hottie' and be a bitch about it.

Just look at what's available for our kids.

Want a kid's TV? Batman or Hot Wheels for boys. Hot pink Barbie for girls.

Want to build something? Better be a boy, not much available for the girls.

How about a craft? With the exception of Crayola all crafts seem to be geared towards the girls, and most of them tacky.

And the dolls. Doesn't the name 'Bratz' say it all? Where are the wholesome everyday dolls?

When my daughter saw the Bratz campfire set, she said, "Ewe! Too much make-up and who would wear a skirt and high heels camping anyways?"

Don't even get me started with the Bratz Big Babies. Black leather,  lacy lingerie and heavy makeup on a doll for 3 year olds? Who's making that stuff? Who's buying it?

I'm not slamming Toys R Us, the kids both love GameBoy, and Lego and stuffed animals and bikes.

I'm just asking the question, "If we all don't want self-centered, materialist, smutty daughters, or violent, chauvinistic, fast driving sons, then why is there a market for toys that are?"