Are little girls growing up too fast?

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/29/fashion/thursdaystyles/29critic.html?8hpib

This article mentions several interesting ideas.

1. Little girls are growing up too quickly
2. Little girls don't necessarily embrace physical perfection
3. Commercialization of these two ideas (return to innocence and existence of imperfection) can result in $350million in revenues (and still growing)

What are parents thinking when they buy dolls for their little girl?

Are they thinking that

• this Barbie will teach her independence?
• this American Girl doll will nurture her innocence and creativity?
• this Barbie will expose her to the reality of our society's definition of beauty?

Or is it just simply

• let me just get her what she wants?