Movies and toys do not set the bad example upon kids. The movies children watch do not turn them into the adults they become but their parents, family and friends.
I do let my daughter watch alot of movies most parents would not. It is MY job as a parent to teach MY daughter what is RIGHT and she is a very well behaved child and does well in school.
She does drink cokes and have candy too. She is neither over weight or in need of dental treatment. Because as a parent I have taught her the importance of exercise, being active and taking care of herself.
Movies, fast food, candies, soda manufacturers are not the American Problem. Parents are! Many kids who have the largest problems have parents who let them do what ever or have what ever as long as they leave them alone and don't have to deal with them. This is the problem we face as a society.

Oh, brother. I don't buy it. Your philosophy, that is. I know there are kids who are "forbidden" from such things and then go out and rebel. But that doesn't mean an extreme the other way is the answer. I believe whole heartedly that taking the time to TALK to kids and explain WHY something is unacceptable is a much greater part of successful parenting as anything else. When my children understand WHY something is not allowed and that it is not because we have "this or that rule" but because we are raising them to be wise and healthy adults, I find that they do the right thing and then choose to share those lessons with their friends. My kids get a "free day" to eat sugar and junk, and they know that the rest of the week it's clean eating. That's it, not because we are meanies, but as my kids will tell you, we love them and want them to be healthy. And no, my 5 year old daughter does not even know what a Bratz doll is.

My kids like to dress the Bratz dolls and change their outfits....this is exactly what kids do with Barbie Dolls...I don't see the difference. In fact, Bratz are easier to maneuver for young kids, especially the shoes.

I agree 100% with you.

My daughter was outgrowing her Barbie when Bratz first become popular. Had she wanted the doll, would I have bought one for her? No -- but I guarantee you that someone else who did not share my dislike would. And I would come to see that the doll wasn't a big deal. (This is from experience with other toys I had no intention of getting but which ended up in our household anyway - and are now long forgotten.)

As for the movie -- once I had exhausted all the GOOD movies that are out (Ratatouille, Hairspray, even Underdog) -- then I might take her to se it. But by that time, it should be gone from the theaters and my kid will have forgotten about it until the DVD comes out (probably in a month, because this movie looks so bad that it is bound to come and go pretty quickly).

Yikes! As parents, it is OUR RESPONSIBILITY to limit our children... they won't do it themselves! Most adults have trouble with that principal. My daughter may want to do what I say no to, but that doesn't make me wrong. I don't make a big deal over sweets or soda, because I want her to understand when I do set limits - its serious. People do not smoke, do drugs, drive drunk or have unprotected sex in moderation... and I personally don't want my 9 year old daughter playing with dolls that emulate hollywood starlets known to partake in all of the above! And while Bratz may be reflective of American culture & many toys (and clothes) that are produced today for girls that age - that doesn't make it right. We as parents should judge for our children, based on the principals & values we are trying to instill in our children - what is appropriate for them... Not hollywood or the media.