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Web Game Turns Celeb Orphans Into Accessories

It's all in fun, says My Minx founder, but parents' groups disagree

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 30, 2010 10:01 AM CST

(Newser) – An online fashion game is under fire for allowing players to buy a chic accessory for their avatars: the adopted children of celebrities. My Minx, a “dress-up game for style icons,” now includes an “adoption clinic” where players can acquire web versions of, say, Angelina Jolie’s brood, and even Haitian orphans. They can dress them up and sell the image rights to virtual magazines. “There are more than enough pressures on children to grow up already,” a parents’ advocate tells MSNBC.

The advocate fears kids using the site, which has no age restrictions, “will fail to appreciate its irony.” My Minx’s founder, who says the game is marketed for late teens and adults, is not buying the outrage. The groups up in arms against his site are “trying to shield people from online orphans,” he scoffs. “People are trying to overprotect children,” he says, and besides, “if someone adopts in real life, why not online? I didn’t expect this to be so controversial. It’s just for fun.”

Madonna with adopted son David Banda.
Madonna with adopted son David Banda.   (AP Photo)
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie with their children.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie with their children.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 8 comments
YetAnotherCollegeKid
Feb 1, 2010 4:01 AM CST
Please. If no one points out the obvious, then it becomes nothing but a polite lie. Frankly, MY hat is off to these game makers. They clearly have the guts that most of the squeamish public does not, and they are willing to back up their criticism. Good for them.
Spudsy
Feb 1, 2010 1:01 AM CST
fllightofthephoenix - You do make a very good point. I guess I would not want the children to be hurt by this game. I will reverse my thoughts and a hat off to you. To sound like an old guy I'll say get rid of all those damn games and send the fat little kids out to play in the backyard.
flightofphoenix1973
Jan 30, 2010 7:36 AM CST
@Spudsy - point taken but really it is not the children's fault that celebs choose to use them as publicity stunts. The children are always the innocent and often the victims to people's greed, even their own parents' (see Balloon Boy fiasco). I guess I think these famous kids are exploited enough by those that are supposed to love and protect them the most (not all celebs use their kids as props or an income but MANY do). I am sure your kids probably have figured it out Spudsy, but I think it is also a credit to you. It just makes me sick to see kids used this way, life is tough enough without the added insanity media/internet etc. tends to heap on them.

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