Fangs and Fishnets

The emotional and intellectual lives of girls--how they view themselves, what they see as desirable, and what they want to do when they grow up--has changed in recent decades. And while there are still little girls who want to be princesses or Barbie, others are increasingly choosing playthings that reflect a different idea of femininity. The toymaker Mattel is finding that sales of its iconic Barbie line is falling, while its Goth-inspired "Monster High" dolls are becoming a surprise hit.

Could this have something to do with media? NPR reports.

Questions...

•Does media react to popular culture, or does media create it?

•What is going on in popular culture that likely fuels the success of Monster High?

•How do the Monster High videos help toymaker Mattel, even though the videos are likely free to watch?

•Are Barbie or the Monster High dolls potentially damaging to girls' self-image? If so, how?