ColemanMedia Report

Just days after “Gwen,” the homeless doll generated a chorus of outcry in the mommy blogosphere, El Segundo-based toymaker Mattel announced that it will hold off on launching its “Crack Babies” line of dolls until it can conduct more research into the marketability of the toys.  The doll line, aimed at girls 3-11, was originally slated to launch in mid-October, just in time for holiday shopping season, but may be held back at least two weeks, according to a company spokesperson.  ”Initial research indicated that social responsibility was a hot-button issue with parents at the moment,” said Mattel CEO Robert A. Eckert.  ”And we know that people want to look like they care about important issues without actually doing something about it.  Because, let’s be honest, no one wants to get their hands dirty.  But the automatic ‘fiending’ feature may have been a bit too much.  So we’re looking at more subtle ways to allow privileged kids to have fun at the expense of those much less fortunate.”