Critics say long-legged, large-chested, stiletto-wearing Barbie is not a good role model for Girl Scouts.
The Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood and Center for a New American Dream are reportedly calling for the Girl Scouts to sever ties with the iconic doll.
Last August, the Girl Scouts announced a new partnership with Barbie, introducing a Barbie-themed career activity book, website and “Be Anything, Do Everything” uniform patch – the first Girl Scout patch with corporate sponsorship, reported The Associated Press.
Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood director Susan Linn said:
Holding Barbie, the quintessential fashion doll, up as a role model for Girl Scouts simultaneously sexualizes young girls, idealizes an impossible body type and undermines the Girl Scouts’ vital mission to build “girls of courage, confidence and character.”
Barbie maker Mattel and the Girl Scouts said their partnership is intended to empower and inspire girls to explore career possibilities, much like Barbie. In her 55 years, Barbie has job-hopped about 150 times, trying out different professions.
While encouraging young girls to explore future careers sounds promising, “The [CCFC] said that a game on the Girl Scouts’ Barbie-themed website encouraged girls to identify careers based on attire — ‘from a veterinarian in a frilly miniskirt, to a pink-suited U.S. president, to a race car driver in stilettos,’” the AP reports.
The CCFC said it decided to go public with its plea for the Girls Scouts to split from Barbie after a private effort failed.
The AP said the Girl Scouts received $2 million from Mattel to help implement the Barbie-themed initiatives.
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