American Girl Theory: Why are Isabel and Nicki from 1999?
- Admin
- Feb 19, 2023
- 1 min read
I was talking to my sister and her friends about Isabel and Nicki, the new historical characters, last night, and my sister (who was born in 2001) said "1999 isn't historical! Why then?" All of a sudden, I came up with an unhinged explanation for their year:
In 1999, new technologies were rising, such as computers, and AmericanGirl.com launched. However, there was something called Y2K, which was a fear that once the clock hit 2000, all these new technologies would stop working. Obviously these fears didn't manifest, but according to my parents, who were in their 20s in 1999, this was a big deal.
Now for the unhinged part of my theory. In 2001, the 9/11 attacks occurred, when terrorists hijacked an airplane and destroyed the Twin Towers in New York. The effects of 9/11 are still controversial, especially regarding surveillance and the treatment of Muslims. The long-term ramifications of 9/11 are still ongoing today (not historical!), so it would be extremely hard to create a doll from 2001 while keeping that in mind. Therefore, Nicki and Isabel are from 1999 in order to bypass 9/11.
Either way, "historical" or not, I am psyched to see the dolls debut on Wednesday!
I think that their story will cover 9/11 because:
Their first book is set in December 1999, so there is an EXTREMELY high chance that it at least stretches on to 2000, especially because it covers Y2K and Nicki and Isabel need a moment to be relieved that nothing happened.
On the cover of "Meet Isabel and Nicki", Nicki is wearing a T-shirt outside, so it's probably spring or summer 2000.
On the AG website, it says Nicki and Isabel are "New for the '90s and beyond.". This could indicate them being good for modern - day kids, but it most likely is a hint that part of their series will take place during the 00's.
Sorry if this is…
I'm probably going to get Nicki since she's the cooler looking one. I turned 7 before the end of 1999 (September) and all I really remember is people being obsessed with Y2k and the coming Millennium. I'm sure their stories will cover the 2000 election fiasco,since it took about a month for the election to be called.
It could be possible that these stories will cover 9/11 as well. Some of the other AG historical books actually had dates lasting throughout the course of 3 years (From Meet to Changes story). Of course, I could be wrong. I do recognize how recent it was for many people, but it would be nice for us who experienced it growing up to have a story that is comforting and helps both kids and adults a like overcome that trauma (as AG stories used to do).
I think the reason they picked the late 90s is because
They can probably cover a broader range of topics this way. The internet boom and the dot-com bubble, which was more prevalent in…
So you're saying that Nicki and Isabel's books will take place until at least 2001? And by the way, I just found out that the twins are going to be from SEATTLE!!!! I was born in Seattle and lived there for twelve years, so half my life! This is the first time I have TWO things in common with Historicals and American Girl dolls in general! I turned three the year of 9/11 but I think I may vaguely remember seeing the Twin Towers after they were hit.... the only dolls I had anything in common with was Kit, who writes, although she is a reporter and I'm a book writer and I wish there would be a doll wh…
My guess is choice of 1999 is because of Y2K. It was a big deal. The world woke up New Years Day relieved that no planes crashed! Looking forward to reading the journal and books.