An evening in “Farmeropolis”…

Tonight was family movie night in “Farmeropolis”. We sat around our television eating pizza and watching “Kit Kittredge, An American Girl”. The movie was set in Depression-era 1934 and focused on a neighborhood in Cinncinnati, Ohio where people and families were struggling to find work and put food on the table. The film was very well-made, careful attention was taken to accurately reproduce the 30’s on film with vintage hairstyles, clothing, and vivid imagery. I think most families will find this a wholesome and enjoyable show for the entire family. The American Girl conglomerate promotes family and strong values as well as selling extremely overpriced dolls.

Let’s face it, any girl from 6-14 knows about the American Girl Dolls. They are often marketed with a series of books that tell the stories of the dolls being sold. Historical fiction has caught on in a big way and what an excellent way for young girls to learn what life was like for young girls of different eras. The authors pay close attention to detail and I would guess probably (when possible) interview people that lived in the era–for they go into great (and quite accurate) detail about life in those times. For example, in 1934 Kit’s father loses his job and the family struggles to find money to maintain the home they live in. One thing the mother does is sew her daughter a dress made from feed sack fabric. Flour sacks were also used during the 30’s and 40’s to make little girls dresses. My own mother had several of her own (in the 1950’s).

I’ve always believed that these dolls were extremely overpriced (the basic doll will set you back around $90); however, I now feel that buying these dolls is not as ludicrous as once thought. It supports an enterprise that’s goal is to produce wholesome, thoughtful entertainment for young girls. In a world where Bratz are all the rage, I must admit I’m sold. I’ll be purchasing a few American Girl Dolls for my daughters in the hope that the company will continue in its endeavor.