Barbie can't ever catch a break and until the popular doll's body starts looking a little more realistic, parents will continue to criticize her manufacturer. The latest controversy comes after a partnership between Mattel and Girl Scouts of the USA was announced and consumer groups cried foul, saying Barbie is not a good role model for children.
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The three-year partnership was first announced last August and resulted in criticisms that the doll did not send a positive message to girls. According to Susan Linn, the director of Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, not only did Barbie promote an unrealistic body image and a sexualization of young girls, but it also went against the Girl Scout organization's mission to build up confidence in these girls.
Well the project went on ahead anyway and the Barbie Girl Scouts doll was unveiled in stores this week. This latest Barbie edition features the doll dressed in a white and pink blouse, bright pink pants, brown boots and a green sash full of patches. The doll also comes with a Barbie badge that real scouts can add to their collection, but I'm pretty sure they missed the mark by not including a box of Tagalongs because then we'd be instantly on board.
I've never taken a stand on these pro-Barbie/anti-Barbie debates, but do feel that a child will probably want to play with a Barbie doll when she sees her friends with one. That can be a good chance for her parents to start a discussion about any merits in the doll's character as well as what parts of her are unrealistic.
Besides, Barbie isn't all bad! Below, a view of some of the most awesome Barbie dolls Mattel has produced over the years.
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