Since 1995 American Girl’s product line has included a selection of dolls intended to reflect their collectors. Today the collection is called “Truly Me” with the dolls being almost entirely customizable. As individuality becomes increasingly valued in todays society, children are offered a wider variety of toys to represent them and their evolving identities. However, as we get older, there are countless of other experiences, interactions, and affiliations that impact how our identity develops and changes. Is the personality you’re expressing truly you? or maybe a portrayal of what is expected of you? would you be the same person if not for the family, friends, religion, nationality, or media exposure that has shaped you?

Truly Me? represents the fragments of our true personalities that we mask in order to adapt to the demands of our multi-faced adult lives. How would you present if your childhood courage and individuality had been preserved?