More than 65,000 people have signed a petition asking LEGO to get rid of LEGO Friends, "a pink Barbielicious product line for girls" that features a beauty shop, a princess castle and a palace for a poodle.
The petition, started by two women, argues that girls don't need special LEGOs.
"Don't sell girls out, LEGO," the petition stated. "Give us dreams that take us beyond shopping malls, beauty salons and hot tubs!"
LEGO said it introduced LEGO Friends based on a 4-year research project it conducted with young girls and mothers to find out what kind of LEGOs appeal to them. It said the number of girls using LEGOs has tripled since the launch and that sales are continuing to climb.
"We do not see LEGO Friends as the only LEGO building opportunity for girls, it is intended to be yet another option for children to consider when choosing a LEGO item," a company spokesman said.
