Decades ago tattoos were a sign of masculinity and rebellion, of sailors, prisoners, and runaways. As tattoo-art transitioned from the outskirts of society to the mainstream, the burgeoning popularity of tattoos has made it quite the hot button issue in the past few years. Two years ago, many of the leading news outlets were plastering the photo of a tattoo-covered woman all over print and screen – because she was having an affair with the husband of an Oscar-winning actress. There was a lot of bad press for that woman, and the tattoos were associated with “trash.” Cut to today in tattoo news: Barbie manufacturer Mattel collaborated with Japanese-style brand Tokidokito create a rockin’ fashionista Barbie replete with a punk pink bob and flowery tattoos.

The Tokidoki Barbie comes with a $50 price-tag and limited edition appeal (it’s already sold out!), but it looks like a gorgeous and artistic creation. Even though it’s specifically marketed “for the adult collector,” these Barbies are still coming under scrutiny by parents believing it sends the wrong message to young girls. All the arguments that Barbie’s body proportions send far worse messages aside, it’s kind of wonderful that a major company like Mattel manufactures something that shows off what so many people currently sport. Isn’t it more about embracing everyone’s own expression of themselves, whether it be through hair color, clothes, or tattoos? [via Daily Mail]


Why should a girl associate “tattoo” with “taboo”? It’s about a person’s own perogative and choices. There are many mothers and fathers with tattoos these days, what’s the problem with a doll having them too? I have my own tattoos, but they don’t define me or tell anybody what kind of person I am. In fact, tattoos are popular with so many people these days, there shouldn’t be any sort of generalization of “tattooed people” as a group. I have a tattoo, and hey, so does DJ Pauly D. from Jersey Shore – I can tell you it doesn’t make us similar in any way.

Tattoos are personal and individualized mementos. Some people are just full of judgment for other people’s choices, and I’m not sure that’s the right message for kids. Mattel is helping to break down these bad connotations with tattoos, and I applaud them.

What do you think of the Tokidoki Barbie? Think it’s not appropriate for children? Do you rock your own tattoos?