But I Don't Want To Be A Pretty Princess!

Wired Magazine reports on the newest in video games for girls - which happen to reinforce every major female stereotype that exists. I don't mind the fact that marketers are trying to make video games for girls, and undoubtedly these games will resonate with some, however it is stunning that they reached into the deepest parts of feminine stereotyping to try and make the products appealing to women. It's almost as if girls are not even thought of beyond the color pink, beyond being princesses, beyond wanting clothes, boyfriends and popularity.

The reason why stereotyping is dangerous in products like Barbie, video games and on TV is because it sets up false expectations and a twisted sense of reality for young women that can lead to dangerous depression, distorted body image ideas, psychological problems with sexuality and reinforces the idea that women are not allowed to be smart, educated, independent, irreverent, or homosexual beings.

But don't let me tell you what to think. Take a look at some of the games being offered to "tweens" and the reviews from Wired magazine. Leave your thoughts in the comments:

The Clique: Diss and Make Up (Warner Bros. Interactive, Aug. 31)

What it’s about: Inspired by the best-selling books, The Clique has the player take on the role of a new student at an all-girls middle school. The goal is to work your way up the social ladder through different cliques (math club, jocks, etc.) using “gossip, fashion and wit” until you finally are able to join the school’s top posse, the Pretty Committee.

What it teaches girls: Ponytails, books and plaid shirts will get you stared at. Better to jump through hoops and pretend to be someone you’re not in an effort to become one of the most popular girls in school, because it beats the hell out of being part of the Ugly Committee.

Charm Girls Club: My Fashion Mall, My Fashion Show and My Perfect Prom (Electronic Arts, Oct. 20)

What it’s about: EA’s new line of games features possibly the hardest-working group of BFFs in America. Fashion Mall has the girls managing a mall, dealing with “mall drama” and making it a “hip hangout”; My Fashion Show lets players design clothes (”And make sure the puppy’s outfit matches too!”) and direct models; My Perfect Prom has you plan, decorate and eventually attend the big dance. The goal? To complete tasks and collect “sparkly, virtual charms.”

What it teaches girls: “Sparkly, virtual charms” are just as good as money. Mall management is a viable career choice. You can bring your pets to fashion shows. And prom has to be nothing less than perfect.

Dreamer Series: Top Model (Dreamcatcher Interactive, July 21)

What it’s about: Top Model shows what it takes to become … a top model. Players can choose their make-up and clothing as well as learn the right poses through various mini-games. Girls will be able to “glide through the glitter and glamour of a catwalk career” that culminates in “a fabulous photo shoot on a Caribbean island!”

What it teaches girls: This game might offer a better example of an aspiring model’s life than, say, America’s Next Top Model. But we’re guessing the game doesn’t expose girls to some of the harsh realities of the industry, such as eating disorders, drug-addled rock stars and completely insane reality TV hosts. And girls, we’d be wary of any “modeling shoot” that promises to take you to a Caribbean island. Just sayin’.

My Boyfriend (THQ, Sept. 14)

What it’s about: Players pick various outfits and make-up while they hang out, exercise and gossip with their friends. But the main object of the game is to create “the love story of your dreams” by choosing from five different guys. Then, players will have to “charm, chat up and chill out” with each different guy to find true love.

What it teaches girls: You are incomplete without a man, or at least a digital replica of one. More specifically, the game instructs that there are only a limited number of potential mates in the world, and the only way to find the right one is to flirt with all of them.

Princess in Love (THQ, Sept. 14)

What it’s about: Customize Princess Isabella with clothing and accessories. As the queen-in-training, players must mind their manners and plan gala balls while searching for Prince Charming, who can be wooed by learning the right dance moves.

What it teaches girls: No, really, you need a man. Being a princess isn’t just about wearing pretty dresses and waiting for your knight in shining armor all day: You’ve got to work. If you want Mr. Right, it’s up to you, not him, to make the first impression. So get dancin.’

Style Lab: Makeover and Style Lab: Jewelry Design (Ubisoft, November)

What it’s about: In Makeover, players use the DSi’s camera to take photos of themselves, then superimpose hair and makeup styles over them. Jewelry Design lets girls create their own jewelry and even upload virtual designs online — then buy replicas of the actual products they made in the game.

What it teaches girls: Makeover seems harmless enough; girls might wonder what their hair looks like with rainbow streaks in it. But Jewelry Designer is what parents need to worry about. At a recent demo of the game, we were told that custom jewelry items would cost between $10 and $25 each. Maybe My Boyfriend will pay for it.

Style Savvy (Nintendo, holiday 2009)

What it’s about: As a boutique owner, players will manage the store by monitoring inventory, funds and fashion trends to keep up sales. Players can customize their own character’s looks, and they’ll also help customers style themselves according to their budgets with more than 10,000 in-game items.
What it teaches girls: All you really need to care about is clothes and how they look on you (and maybe others). But at least you’re able to manage a retail outlet and make some money, although Nintendo’s virtual cash won’t buy any $25 necklaces from Ubisoft.