How American Girl dolls became a part of American culture — problems and all

The American Girl dolls have evolved over the years. (Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for American Girl)

Growing up, it felt like you were either the kid with all the American Girl dolls, or you knew the kid with all the American Girl dolls.

And they always seemed to be set up in one single (some might say creepy?) room that somehow belonged to the dolls. And since the 1980s, they have been an American cultural force — problematic parts included.