Jihad Joe
For those with a taste for a doll they’d love to hate, or simply one that puts a new spin the old G.I. Joe, boy does Emile Vicale have something for you.
His tiny Connecticut toy company – called Herobuilders.com – has taken a giant leap into controversy by creating the first known Osama doll – or action figure. But the miniature likeness isn’t like the real-life terrorist. While he’s rake thin, it’s got muscles. And while the real villain dons the military garb, you can squeeze this bin Laden into a pink tutu – for fun.
On the other hand, just like the real-life Osama, many Americans are apparently very interested in this doll. Vicale says thousands have bought his creation, and he doesn’t feel that’s glorifying the man. “People should buy him, then burn him, shoot him, whatever they want.”
One guy says he’ll give it to his Rottweiller to tear apart. Other opinions? An upset e-mailer called the toymaker “scum” for profiting from tragedy. Another guy just looked at the little plastic man and blurted, “I think this does disrespect for all cross-dressing men.”
