Kaya is, in my humble opinion, one of the most beautiful American Girls that has ever been released. She is also one of the most underappreciated. (Right along with another of my favorites, Addy.) I think it's a shame that American Girl, over the course of 30 years and 14 Historical/BeForever dolls, has only represented one Native American. I suppose I should be happy they haven't retired her, but it's horrible (and very telling) that a company priding themselves on telling the stories of American girls has steadily ignored the stories of the original girls of our country.
They wouldn't always be pretty stories to tell, but much of American history isn't. That was supposed to be the point. Telling history through play and stories. Not all history is happy, but there is a very age appropriate, yet honest, way to tell those stories that won't forever scar your children but will teach them what needs to be taught. Look around, people. Our failure to teach the unpleasant portions of history in order to "shield" our children has resulted in an alarming repeat (and continuation) of some of our darker periods. Is one doll company going to stop that? No. But someone has to start.
In the mean time, I find it saddening that people either can't, or refuse to, see the amazing beauty in Kaya's character, doll, and stories. I think she's stunning, her stories are amazing, and I think this little girl will be getting her very own, more lengthy, photo shoot very soon. In the meantime, here are a couple of photographs I snapped today just because I had both Kaya and my camera at hand and was itching to use it.
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