Dora the Explorer Becomes Dora the Tween

Dora the Explorer is a much loved children's television show where the character, Dora and her pet monkey Boots would use a map and backpack to explore the world around them. Children were encouraged to pick up some Spanish vocabulary along the route. Boys and girls both loved the show but the extra marketing of everything was aimed strictly at girls until her cousin was introduced. His male character opened up a door for boys to ask for Dora toys and clothing lines.

Nickelodeon has taken another advancement with this cartoon series. They are growing Dora up. She will be ten and live in the city, no more country life for this cutie! Her hair is long and flows down her back and she is pictured wearing what some call a mini skirt, personally the picture looks like a swing baby doll top over tight leggings. She wears earrings and lip gloss. Is she too sexy for some ticked off parents?

First, this is not a new concept. When the Rug rats audiences grew up, they grew those characters up as well. They put Tommy, Angelica, and the rest of the gang in Jr High. It was popular for a few years but never has come close to the baby Rug rats craze.

While I would love to add an image of the grown up Dora or the little Dora to this article, due to copyright laws this is not possible. It is however, floating amongst many blogs and is not difficult to get a glimpse of.

Dora was an engaging, fun character. For the first time in years, parents were actually disappointed as children outgrew this adorable show. It was fun to watch with them! One of the things I found great about this show, as a parent, was when you would take your child into a Spanish speaking environment such as a restaurant, my son was able to tell them please and thank you. Kids picked up on beginning Spanish concepts very quickly.

Tweens are not yet teenagers but no longer little children. Dora's new look reflects she is growing up. Personally, I find it encouraging that she is not pictured with a belly ring or belly shirt on. I feel like they did their best to present a wholesome, clean tween girl with her new image. Is her long hair sexy? It's beautiful. She is above all else, strong in a Spanish heritage. It is not uncommon in that cultural background for a young woman to have long, dark, flowing hair.

Even if you classify her dress as a mini skirt, they hide her legs with girlish tights. She wears modest flats. Last, but not least, she is cartoon. She is not a real person! Personally, if you look at some of the other female cartoon characters in recent years you will find that they are much more outrageous. Dora still retains a look of innocence in her maturity that Kim Possible surpasses with her half top, the new girls in the cartoon Sixteen are a whole new level of outrageous and tweens have picked up on that series without missing a beat.

Before you get upset they are growing Dora up with their audiences, give them a chance to air her. Show us what problems she will be facing and what format the new show is destined to take. The content of the show is of more value than the appearance of the character. Those upset with her growing up, look at your beautiful children. They have grown up too. Wouldn't you rather them grow up with a beloved character from childhood versus a new character such as those found in Sixteen, Gossip Girls, and 90210?