Monster High


I would hope most people know Monster High. It was known through the early 2000s for being a doll brand owned by Mattel. It was very different in the age of Barbies. These characters were based off of well known horror stories, such as Frankenstein, Dracula, Zombies, you name it. The point of the show was to show off "Freaky Flaws" and embrace who you were. It was very influential for many girls for it's alt fashion and very forward messages. It embraced friendship and giving people chances after mistakes, or embracing people of different backgrounds. However, it was known for some controversies. Many moms did not like the new show as it came off as scary or "scandalous" for its fashion. Much more controversy came from the same body types of stick-thin characters, as well as impossible beauty standards. However, in recent years, it has come back for a reboot, which shows characters of different body types and heights. There were also many very racist stereotypes shown in the show for different ethnic characters. One character comes from the Himalayas but has a stereotypical Russian accent, and one character is based on a Chinese dragon but has only Western ties to dragons and stereotypical Chinese fashion. These choices have been changed in the reboot, which I am glad for. It was a very well-known fashion doll line and helped many girls find their footing. I know some guys also like these dolls for what they were and enjoy styling them or changing their outfits. It should not be gendered, and anyone can be welcome to enjoy, as that was the original message of the show. 

Comments

  1. mackenzie caffreyFebruary 15, 2026 at 2:16 PM

    I used to watch this when I was younger, and I loved it so much. Looking at it now, I never really thought of anything like that when I was younger, so now it really opens my eyes.

    ReplyDelete
  2. N’diyahFebruary 15, 2026 at 5:08 PM

    I loved Monster High through and through as a child, and even though it’s not perfect, I still prefer the old generation to the new one — probably because I grew up with the older generation and I am no longer the target age group for the new generation. Something I can appreciate with the new generation is how they are being more realistic in terms of body shapes, not relying on stereotypes, and also exploring other topics that weren’t explored as much in the first generation such as sexuality, gender, and even neurodivergence through its characters.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Emily WebbFebruary 15, 2026 at 7:51 PM

    I like how you talked about both the good and bad sides of Monster High. It is cool how it encouraged being yourself and embracing differences, but you also did a good job pointing out the body image and stereotype issues. I agree that the reboot feels more inclusive and positive overall.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Cadence LigezaFebruary 16, 2026 at 4:31 AM

    I like how I saw the message of Monster High and how empowering it was showing the differences, but the harmful beauty standards and stereotypes especially that I never saw when watching because I only watched when I was younger and it was highly rare.

    ReplyDelete

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