How American Girl Doll Lost Its Way

American Girl dolls telegraphed a spirit of optimism about girlhood, Hillary Kelly argues. She examines what the brand means today, 40 years later: www.theatlantic.com/magazine/202...

At 40, the brand faces a midlife crisis www.theatlantic.com/magazine/202...

Kirsten's Midlife Crisis: How American Girl Doll Lost Its Way - The Atlantic www.theatlantic.com/magazine/202...

"The term tween, which encompasses kids as young as 8, was popularized as a marketing tool in the ’80s and quickly became shorthand for a child who didn’t act like a child." I was born in Canada, so didn't know the original AGD came from a "preserve childhood until adolescence" sentiment.

these and Cabbage Patch dolls were much more wholesome than Barbie from a mother's POV www.theatlantic.com/magazine/202...