Barbie. You will never empower young minds. You have perfect hair. A never ending supply of skanky clothes and oh, wait... You're made of plastic only promoting consumption. How the hell would you empower a young person?
I admit, I associated with their slogan, "If you can dream it... you can be it." Yes I wanted to be a rock star when I was a kid. I even had a rock star Barbie named Midge - she came with a glow in the dark guitar. I had her cutting up lines of baking powder on my moms kitchen table in no time. What a 7 year old I was...
But really... What is this saying to young girls?
I checked out the Barbie web page and once the page loaded, I was greeted by Barbie as she introduced her "Fashionistas" who have fierce fashionable style. Annoyed, I reminded myself this site is aimed towards 10 year olds. Realizing what I told myself, I became angry. Mattel is telling young girls, our future, to be fierce, fashionable, and dream to be a dentist with DD breasts and a short glittery skirt. Girls, be fierce, be fashionable but be responsible. I don't know if Barbie teaches values...
Parents, tell your kids they can be rock stars. Older brothers, tell your little sister she can save lives. Little sisters, tell your older sister she can go back to grad school.
My problem is advertising. Since birth, young girls are molded by advertisments. You might not even realize how much you are owned by corporations. You don't need mascara or Halle Barry telling you "You're worth it." You're worth it without mascara.
Advertising, I am above you. I am just afraid that the rest of the world isn't. And that - is an awful shame.
I think you're my favorite person in the whole world... good post :)
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