Monday, November 30, 2009

Miss Bimbo: Like Barbie, Only Much More Disturbing


Just when I thought I'd seen it all when it comes to disturbing body image trends on the internet, I'm surprised by a new one. Check out the newly-launched U.K. online game, Miss Bimbo, a "fun fashion game" with a target audience of 9-16 year old girls.

The player must monitor their Bimbo's weight, wardrobe and happiness in order to ascend through the levels. Success is measured through weight loss and breast implants. In order to reach various levels, players are allowed to buy diet pills and give their characters face lifts. There's a cyber surgery option, allowing the player to contemplate which chin they would like to create the perfect version of society's ideal aesthetic. The ideal target weight? "Waif thin" of course.

I am left dumbstruck. Seriously, the head shaking, the awe, the complete and utter despair for the world in general.

The game's creators insist that this is just a tongue-in-cheek version of reality, but let's say an average 9-year-old girl gets this message from the game:

Level 7 : After you broke up with your boyfriend you went on an eating binge! Now it's time to diet...Your target weight is less than 132lbs

Or this one:
Level 11: Bigger is better! Have a breast operation
It's like a primer on how to become Lindsay Lohan. It's bad enough that I can't buy my 9-year-old niece a piece of clothing that doesn't insist that she's juicy or makes her look like a little Jon-Benet. I tried registering at the terminally overloaded site, but after four attempts (there's no good way of determining that a user name is already taken, you have to put in your information all over again if you pick another person's name) I just gave up. It's probably for the best, because judging from the press, I think the game will make my head explode. Also, I'm afraid the site's layout may cause spontaneous hives. I'll just stick with my little Sims, thank you very much.


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From the Community…

Comments 1-10 of 18
  • MafiaDawn's Avatar
    Posted by MafiaDawn Mon Mar 31, 2008 6:49am PDT

    No way would this product cross the threshold of my home. The company thatproduces this must be called "InsecuritiesRus!"

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  • Alorinna's Avatar
    Posted by Alorinna Mon Mar 31, 2008 7:38am PDT

    As a tomboy, I find this pretty funny. But I sure wouldn't give it to my daughter to play. But, I also banned Barbie too.

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  • bp's Avatar
    Posted by bp Mon Mar 31, 2008 8:01am PDT

    this is just another sign of hatred towards women. why target little girls?? that happiness is related to your weight and clothes? disgusting.

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  • Jennifer's Avatar
    Posted by Jennifer Mon Mar 31, 2008 8:31am PDT

    This is sick and wrong...... in many ways..

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  • David's Avatar
    Posted by David Mon Mar 31, 2008 8:46am PDT

    In many ways I agree with all four previous comments. This 'game' should not be allowed in anyone's home if they care for their daughter's well-being. Based on the blog, this is clearly a male-created toy to turn girls into the descriptively-named Bimbo. Sure, it may be a tongue-in-cheek satire, but the girls who play this so-called game don't necessarily understand satire. As described, what we'll end up with are girls who grow up into sexual playthings for the men they meet.

    It is up to the parent to pay attention to what games their children play. Don't leave it to legislation or software; these can be circumvented much too easily. Talk to your daughter. Find out, if you can, what interests them and why. Be a true parent and try to show them why games like these are bad for them. Otherwise all the advances women have made over the last century will be reversed because your daughters will fall into that deadly stereotype.

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  • Elizabeth KayleneB's Avatar
    Posted by Elizabeth KayleneB Mon Mar 31, 2008 9:28am PDT

    I just went to check this site out, and all registrants must be 18 years of age or older. As disturbing as this is, at least we know they're looking out for young girls.

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  • Lisa's Avatar
    Posted by Lisa Mon Mar 31, 2008 10:28am PDT

    This site is meant as a spoof. Besides you're reporting on a web site and didn't log into? Soooo, where is your information from? Word of mouth? I'm sure it's all true, but you should at least perfom due diligence before you go flaming.

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  • Christina's Avatar
    Posted by Christina Mon Mar 31, 2008 2:10pm PDT

    I Dont Get it....

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  • __A_YAHOO_USER__'s Avatar
    Posted by __A_YAHOO_USER__ Mon Mar 31, 2008 9:18pm PDT

    Checked out the actual site and found the following message

    "Dear Players,

    Due to unforseen worldwide interest in Miss Bimbo we have had difficulty in maintaining our game in the manner players have become accustomed. We are sorry for this inconvenience and can assure you that our game will be up and running as soon as possible.

    As a result of this rather surprising media attention we have decided to remove the option of purchasing diet pills from the game. We apologise to any players whom this may inconvenience but we feel in light of this weeks proceedings it is the correct action to take.

    We would also like to sincerely apologise to our players for the media comparison of Miss Bimbo and Paris Hilton. We feel that this does a dis-service to the players whom send their bimbos to university, tea parties or chess tournaments.

    At this time we would also like to remind players that the Miss Bimbo team assume no responsibility or liability for any fashion faux pas, hair style disasters or boob jobs incurred in real life as as a result of playing the Miss Bimbo game.

    The Miss Bimbo Team."

    Ha!

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  • jaslinm's Avatar
    Posted by jaslinm Mon Apr 7, 2008 12:58pm PDT

    lol wow...its just a GAME people. if you dont want your daughter playing on it, OKAY, dont let her, but at the end its just a GAME.

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