Some think these Flavas leave a bad taste. “When I saw the dolls I was in shock,” says Raquel Wilson, editor in chief of hip-hop e-zine Verbalisms. “They completely misrepre- sent the culture.” She takes issue with the superficial treatment of the movement, and notes that the term “flava,” which means personal style, is no longer commonly used. But Bossick, who says Mattel didn’t hire hip-hop consultants, stands behind the line. “Fearless self-expression and individuality are very positive messages for girls.” The vandalized street wall’s just a side effect.
