An artist reimagined Bratz dolls as iconic women. The results? So cool.
You probably haven't seen Malala Yousafzai and J.K. Rowling quite like this before.
Are toys just ... toys? Or do they have a bigger effect?
It's a question artist and mom Wendy Tsao asked when she learned about the controversy swirling around Bratz dolls.
Photo by Tim Sloan/AFP/Getty Images.
Some parents — and psychology groups — have argued the dolls' hyper-sexualized appearance isn't a great influence on the young girls who play with them.
"I considered the point of view that playing with Bratz dolls or Barbie dolls does not affect a child's body image," Tsao told Upworthy. "This led me to wonder whether a doll does have an impact on a child's view of herself and of the world."
That wonder sparked the project that's now making waves across the web.
Tsao created "Mighty Dolls," an art series that transforms Bratz dolls from their original state into iconic women.
Inspired by artist Sonja Singh, Tsao took the concept of reimagining Bratz and added her own twist: "Mighty Dolls" are what happens when you turn Bratz dolls into powerful, influential women.
What would happen if a kid had, say, a little Malala Yousafzai to pal around with?
Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai became a champion for global girls education after being shot by the Taliban in 2012 for simply trying to attend school. Learn more about her here. Photo used with permission from Wendy Tsao.
Or the Harry Potter author/Queen of Twitter J.K. Rowling?
"Badass" and "best-selling author" go hand in hand for J.K. Rowling. Learn more about her here. Photo used with permission from Wendy Tsao.
What if a kid became besties with a mini Jane Goodall?
If anyone has built up some good karma, it has to be animal-loving, peace-making Jane Goodall. Learn more about her work here. Photo used with permission from Wendy Tsao.
Or helped make the world a better place with Waris Dirie?
Activist, author, model, actress, United Nations Special Ambassador ... no one does it better than Waris Dirie. Learn more about her work here. Photo used with permission from Wendy Tsao.
"The dolls we find in toy stores today are often licensed Disney characters or the heroines of Hollywood blockbuster movies that capitalize on the pull of fantasy, fictional characters to young consumers," Tsao wrote for Bored Panda.
"But there are real-life people who are heroes, too, with inspiring stories of courage, intelligence, strength and uniqueness. Could children learn about and be inspired by them through toys?"
If interest in the dolls is any indicator, then the answer is a resounding yes.
"Mighty Dolls" have set the Internet ablaze.
"People from around the world have been sending me their support for the idea and their interest in the dolls," Tsao told Upworthy. "The idea is resonating — especially with many women."
The good news? You have a shot at owning one yourself. The dolls will be up for auction on eBay, and anyone interested in submitting a bid (can you think of a more perfect holiday gift for a niece or nephew!?) should stay tuned on Tsao's website.