In this time of recession, when something like this arises, the question becomes: is this a demonstration of insensitivity or of advocacy? Or just pure greed? A limited-edition "American Girls" doll is causing controversy. The doll, "Gwen," is a homeless version of the popular doll series.

Gwen is friends with another American Girl doll, Chrissa, who has a DVD, Chrissa Stands Strong. In that DVD, Gwen is portrayed as homeless.

CBS interviewed some homeless women, and they seemed to like the doll, at first. Then they were told that none of the proceeds for the doll go to the homeless. One said:

"I don't even see why you would make a homeless doll, anyway, unless it was being used to raise money to help charities aiding the homeless."

That's a very good point. Why are the manufacturers, American Girl, not doing so. Of course, it's easy to criticize these companies, but they are supposed to be making their shareholders money, after all.

On the other hand, Gwen costs $95. Rather a profligate toy for a child, at any rate. Additionally, there's no way a homeless child could afford one.

Originally on SNAFU-ed