From Cynopsis Kids! (emphasis mine):
All signs point to "yes" as Mattel unveils its new licensing partnership with BBC International to produce a line of Magic 8 Ball branded shoes for kids. When the new line debuts this November 2006, the two first products will be Magic 8 Ball shoes for boys and Magic 8 Ball Date Ball shoes for girls, both will come with a matching Magic 8 Ball digital watch. The shoes will be available in kid sizes 5-3, exclusively at Kohl's department stores. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Magic 8 Ball.
Because goodness knows that girls can't have a plain old Magic 8 Ball. Girls must have a special Magic 8 Ball Date Ball that focuses on their relationship to boys. I haven't seen any pics of this new product yet, but I'm sure it will be pink, and probably sparkly.
Ugh. I hate gendered toys and all the marketing associated with them.
Posted by: jo(e) | September 26, 2006 at 02:51 PM
yes . . . sadly, all signs seem to point to "sexism." *sigh*
Posted by: Beth | September 26, 2006 at 08:31 PM
You are right - pink AND sparkly: http://www.boardgames.com/ma8badaba.html
"The Magic 8 Ball Date Ball has all the answers to your secret questions! Just ask, shake the Date Ball and turn it over. Watch your answer appear through the glittery window! (For entertainment purposes only). Ages 6 to adult. By Mattel. Boxed."
...sigh...
Posted by: Kirky3 | October 09, 2006 at 02:37 AM