American Girl Release 80’s “Historical Character” Doll, Because, Apparently We’re Old Now

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Ah, the 80s. It was arguably the best decade ev-eeeer. Oh who am I kidding, the 80s RULE! The hair, the fashion, the music, the movies…Seriously, what’s not to love?

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It was Madonna and Prince. Aqua Net hairspray and scrunchies. Jordache and Jellies. Care Bears and Cabbage Patch Dolls. It was a time of mixed tapes, Friday nights at Blockbuster, and I want my MTV.

It feels like yesterday…That is until I heard that American Girl just released its latest in its “historical character” collection: Courtney Moore, an 8-year-old valley girl circa 1986, and OMG, am I the only one that feels like eleventy-billion years old right now?

1986 is hardly “historical” Mattel, I mean, come on. It’s only been like 10ish years or so. And yes, I refuse to do the math on this one.   

Courtney is 12th in line in the “historical characters” collection (no I cannot let this go), joining the likes of Revolutionary War character Felicity Merriman (1774), Civil War-era Addy Walker (1864), and Great Depression doll Kit Kittredge (1934).

She is BY FAR the YOUNGEST (as in NOT historical AT ALL) and she is totally 80s. Like, totally. Her official bio states:

Courtney Moore is growing up in California’s San Fernando Valley. She’s a total ’80s girl whose favorite place is Smiley’s Arcade because she loves playing video games. Courtney likes being in control of what happens, which isn’t always the case in real life. She and her stepsister, Tina, don’t always get along, and now that Courtney’s mom is running for mayor, things are changing at home. It’s a whole new game for Courtney, and she’s figuring out the rules as she goes.

Courtney Moore is a throwback to the year that brought us the space shuttle Challenger disaster, Halley’s Comet, the Chernobyl meltdown, and yes, the first American Girl doll.

It was the year that brought us some of the greatest movies ever madeStand By Me, Pretty In Pink, Labyrinth, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Platoon, and Top Gun

It was also the year that Madonna begged “Papa Don’t Preach,” the Bangles walked “like an Egyptian,” Bon Jovi was “Livin’ On A Prayer,” and Prince just wanted a “k-i-s-s, kiss.”

With her big hair, acid-washed mini-skirt, “Totally Cool” neon crop top, hot pink tights, and faux-leather booties, Courtney IS the 80s. 

Photo Credit: American Girl

But it’s not just her appearance that brings us “old-timers” back to our glory days.

She also comes with an entire line of 1980s accessories. And all I can say is, bring on the nostalgia! I AM HERE FOR ALL OF IT.

According to the American Girl website, the 18-inch doll, and accessories set, which retails for $140, also comes with: 

  • The first book in her series: Courtney Changes the Game
  • A pretend personal cassette player with fun ’80s graphics that opens to insert a tape
  • A pair of colorful headphones that plug into the cassette player so she can listen to tunes—and tune out her stepsister, Tina
  • A cassette tape that will really play original songs when inserted into the boombox that comes with Courtney’s™ Sleepover Accessory Set
  • A case to store her favorite mix tape her friend Sarah made for her
  • Four different colored plastic bangle bracelets she can stack on her wrist
  • A tube of pretend Lip Smacker® lip balm on a cord to wear around her neck
  • A plastic button that says “Maureen for Mayor” to show her support for her mom

In addition, you can also shop the entire “Courtney’s World” collection, which includes a number of different outfits, high-top sneakers, belt bag and watch, and more. There is also a working PAC-MAN arcade game, a Care Bears™ Sleeping Bag Set, and a Caboodles® & Hair Accessories Kit.

Photo Credit: American Girl
Photo Credit: American Girl

 

Not to mention an entire array of Lisa Frank school supplies AND a bag of chips. Well, technically cheese puffs, but whateva.

 

Just take all our money already.

While “Courtney loves going to the mall, especially the arcade, where she’s one of the top-scoring PAC-MAN players,” she also loves to create her own video games, with a focus on strong female characters

In light of this, American Girl has partnered with Girls Who Code, a nonprofit that is on a mission to close the tech world’s gender gap and “change the image of what a computer programmer looks like and does.”

From now until the end of the year, the company will match customer’s donations dollar for dollar, up to $50,000. The money will be used to “support the organization’s programming and outreach to girls, including those from historically underrepresented minority groups.”

Additionally, they will also provide four $5,000 scholarships to “deserving Girls Who Code members to help further their education in computer science or a related field.”

It’s a win-win for everyone. Except for the whole “historical” part. That is not a win.

For any of us. Except maybe you young Millenials and Gen-Zers who are hysterically laughing while we ancient folks are simultaneously crying into our wine and racking up our credit cards with all things Courtney Moore.

Regardless of how WRONG American Girl got it with putting Courtney in a corner with all the other old “historical bitties,” there’s no denying that Courtney is totally rad. You can purchase her online now or in stores on September 25.

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