:: The Bitch Girls ::

:: Tuesday, January 28, 2003 ::

Barbie & Her Theme Song

The Supreme Court rejected a chance Monday to delve into the world of pop music and pop culture, declining to hear a trademark case involving a song about the perky blonde Barbie doll.
The justices refused to hear a complaint from the maker of the doll, claiming lyrics in a pop song hurt Barbie's image and the marketing of what the company calls "one of the most successful brands in history."

I do have to admit that this could have made one entertaining case. Would the lyrics have been read outloud in court?

Aqua's record company, MCA, says the song and album sold about 1.1 million copies, and it was a top 40 hit in the U.S. and Europe. The group disbanded in August 2001. Lawyers for the label claim the song is a parody protected by Constitution's guarantee of free speech and expression.
But toy company Mattel claimed in court the song lyrics "associate sexual and other unsavory themes with Mattel's Barbie products." Mattel's attorneys claimed children would be confused, believing the song was somehow linked to the actual Barbie doll, which the company says "encourages girls to be anything they want."

Now what could be bad about Ken asking Barbie to go party? I mean what on earth would they worry about with lyrics like "you can brush my hair, undress me everywhere," "make me walk, make me talk / do whatever you please / I can act like a snob, I can beg on my knees" or "you can touch, you can play/if you say I'm always yours?"

Mattel also alleged MCA marketed the song at children.

Yeah, imagine when the first grader I used to babysit wanted me to play that cd for her. I just didn't know what to say. Does she really think it's about dolls and purely innocent? I suddenly couldn't remember how much I really knew in first grade. I was even more scared by the fact that kids seem to know more at a younger age these days.

...
:: Bitter 1:03 AM [+] ::
...