Huffington Magazine Issue 62 | Page 63

Exit CULTURE HUFFINGTON 08.18.13 The Disturbing Evolution of My Little Pony MATT CARDY/GETTY IMAGES BY JESSICA SAMAKOW ESPITE VALIANT efforts made by parents, toy creators and — even kids themselves — to convince brands to produce gender-neutral toys, the divide between “boy” and “girl” products remains vast. Blue stuff and action figures get D relegated to boy land, pink stuff and dolls are in the girl aisle and, more often than not, the dolls are increasingly feminized. They are thin, with large eyes, long lashes and provocative clothing. However, these characters — some iconic — weren’t always so sassy. Once upon a time, Strawberry A My Little Pony display at the International My Little Pony Convention near Bristol, England, in 2007.