[ArsGratiaArtis]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Psycho Pirate

That is the question only if YOU make it the question. The original issue was Dwight Stall using insulting phrases like "and now for the real collectors..." to introduce 6" figure previews. Or did I miss your condemnation of Dwight's practice?

I use "dolls" as a pejorative towards the product, not the consumers, just as you describe for the term "happy meal." And I recognize that it connotes emasculation because the term "action figure" was coined for boys where "doll" was already used for girls; therefore, by definition, "dolls" is a term that emasculates.

I can agree with everything you originally said without condoning the use of the word "dolls" as a pejorative towards people.

But thanks for your response - it really helps drive home the fact that Dwight Stall is mismamaging one of his brands by using similar language.

I did miss the "real collectors" comment, and no I don't condone that. I don't condone any type of language that attempts to distinguish a "true" fan, because if you like something you like something, you collect something you collect something. The degree to which you do either doesn't lessen the "realness" of your collecting or invalidate it. If he'd simply said 6" are for the collectors, 4" are for casual buyers and children I'd be more ok with that because those are their target goals. The "real" modifier does change it.

I'm still confused as to the pejorative value of "doll" toward the product though. Aside from the "for girls" connotation and emasculation of the presumed male buyer, what negative connotation does "doll" have toward the product's quality like "happy meal's" implied cheapness?