Barbie®, one dad’s viewBarbie®, one dad’s view

The power of videos is amazing. They sometimes say in just a few moments what many of us have been feeling for quite some time. They can be celebratory, they can be serious, but they all make us think in ways that the written word only begins to tap into. What do I mean? Here are a couple examples:

The other day, a friend sent me this video:

It’s the latest in a series of short films Dove is doing around issues relating to women and girls. It’s called Onslaught, and I found it to be incredibly powerful, not because of what it says specifically, but because of how it made me feel as a dad, and what it made me think about. I do have to say … hats off to Dove for bringing about a very important message that is also perfectly in-line with the efforts of WeBelieveInGirls.com.

I was also recently sent a video that really just spoke about girls, their creativity, fun, strength and potential. It is a group of young women that appears to be just singing, but they’re doing it in a way that is truly amazing:

If you’re familiar with the song, this is not one that you think could be done a capella. Yet these young women not only do it, but do it incredibly well. This video doesn’t have the serious, heady message of the Dove films, but it does remind you that sometimes, being a great girl, or woman, is just about doing something for the fun of it.

So, take a look at both of these videos and let me know what you think. Just as importantly, let me know of other powerful videos that you want to share … because as we say in one of the videos on our website, “We believe there is right and wrong in the world … and sharing what is right is a beautiful thing.”

Thanks,
Chuck

As I was sitting in a meeting at Mattel the other day, it struck me that talking about the role of toys with respect to our daughters was an area we might want to explore together in the space of this blog. So, here it goes from my point of view.

When I think of toys, I start with my dad hat on and see a few different ways to look at toys:

One: that they are something to keep my daughter busy, occupied, and to spark her imagination.

Two: that a toy has to be something I think is fun, too. It’s pretty simple … if I don’t get it, why would she?

And finally, three: how can a toy be a catalyst for Gabriella (my 5-year-old daughter) and me to spend some time together?

To me, that third one is incredibly powerful. It’s just so important to me. Now, don’t get me wrong, Gabriella and I do a ton of things that can keep us busy, and they don’t all come in a box.  But, when we have something like a doll, a dollhouse, or any other toy that really unlocks her imagination, it begins to help me see what she sees in the world around her, how she imagines things, how she thinks and dreams. Anyone who has ever watched or played with dolls and their daughter knows exactly what I mean.

The challenge for all us is to ensure that we don’t let the busy parts of our lives take over those small times where we just play together. It doesn’t have to be an outing … it doesn’t have to be a new experience … it just has to be a little time where our kids are our sole focus.

Okay, I’m getting a bit serious here. Maybe it’s just all the meetings on my schedule today. But, remember, pull out a favorite toy when you get home and let your daughter lead the way. It’s amazing where they can take us.  Don’t you agree?

Chuck

As I sit here, I’m thinking back to the last few days and trying to count how many times I have watched the newly released Barbie movie, “Barbie as The Island Princess.” While I do love the movie (and saw it here at work while in the making), the reason I have seen it so many times now is because of my 5-year-old daughter. She is absolutely enthralled with it, from the story to the music.

Given how fresh the experience of watching this movie with my daughter is to me today, I thought it might make sense to share a quick snapshot of why we do these movies and the messages we hope girls take away.

For those who have seen this movie, or any of the other Barbie movies, hopefully you can see what we’re trying to communicate to girls of all ages time and time again ⎯ that they are empowered, that they are in control, and ultimately, that they can achieve (almost) anything. (As the makers of Barbie, we believe, of course, that she is a great role model for girls in these respects.)

What we see each and every time we make a Barbie movie is that when these messages are woven within great stories and told though incredible animation, the messages do truly connect to girls around the globe. When you think about this, what’s fascinating is that these messages are very much the same at their core to those that we’ve delivered with Barbie since 1959. Times change, and the wrappings change, but some things don’t … like what it takes to be a happy, successful and fulfilled girl and woman.

I hope you feel the same way as we do about “Barbie as The Island Princess” and the Barbie movies in general. Please share your thoughts or feelings below and let me know if you agree or disagree. It’s important for us to understand how you feel.

Also, if you have other movies of any kind on your list that you think present great role models for girls, let me know. I’m sure other moms and dads would love to hear about those as well.

Thanks, Chuck

Chuck here, with posting number two. Well, it looks like we’re getting going here, and I’m excited about the first few comments from all of you.

Let me touch on a few things raised.

To B. Jasmin and Selena: This question about body proportions comes up often and is one we’re always looking at and dealing with. Actually, if you look at the history of Barbie, she has changed quite a bit over the decades, evolving as cultural tastes and fashions evolve.

Two things that we consider whenever we look at Barbie is both how she looks (is she fashionable, on trend, cool, etc.) as well as what message is she sending. It’s really a delicate balance between the reality and fantasy in this world that is Barbie.

If I look through my daughter’s eyes when she plays with a Barbie doll, it’s all about her imagination and where she can go…it’s not about how the doll looks. I also see how strongly my daughter reacts to the empowered women in our Princess and Fairy movies. To me, the important thing is the way girls think and talk about Barbie, and what she represents to them, that is so strong. It proves to me that Barbie looks very different in the eyes of girls than she does to adults.

Mostly, I’m glad to see you and others jump into this discussion of what Barbie can, could and should be. Please continue. Invite others. And check out the question, “Is Barbie a good role model?” in the forum section of webelieveingirls.com. Lots of good discussion there.

To Mary Pat Nally: Thanks for your passion and commitment in support of healthy girls and women. It’s a passion we both share. We’ll keep your comments, suggestions and offer of help in mind as we move forward, and I’m passing your post along to others here (including our growing panel of experts) who are engaged more directly with activities related to what you’re doing. Keep up the good work. Keep speaking up, and out. It’s your kind of voice that actually will help create a better future for our girls.

To Heidi: I’m thrilled that you and your daughter found us, and am particularly pleased that it was your daughter that brought you here. I’ve been thinking a lot about how we engage the girls themselves and create more opportunities for parents and their girls to share ideas and discuss these important topics. Without, of course, getting too heavy for the kids. I’m glad your daughter liked the short film as well. Having gone to your blog, wow, all I can say is thank you, we hear the challenge, and with your help and the help of everyone who feels the same, maybe, just maybe, we can deliver for girls. Everyone, go check out Heidi’s thoughts at www.iwasthinking.ca, and join in. I’m going to go reread it now and learn a couple things about blogging!

More later, Chuck.

Hi. My name is Chuck Scothon, and welcome to my first post in my first blog. In this and future postings, I want to speak with you (and hear from you) as frequently as I can, writing both from my own experience as the General Manager of the Mattel Girls Division, which includes Barbie, and also as the father of a 5-year-old girl.

Having previously spent 12 years as part of Fisher Price, I have seen the power of connecting a brand and a company with efforts that make a difference in the lives of families and children. I believe Barbie has this opportunity too — to not only connect with the needs, desires, and goals of parents, but to continue to influence and inspire girls around the world. This opportunity is what makes me so excited about the possibilities of a new website that we’ve just launched, WeBelieveInGirls.com.

(In fact, since you’re reading this blog, you’ve probably already been there. If not, click here, check it out, and then come back and tell me what you think.)

WeBelieveInGirls.com is designed to support the idea that girlhood is a magical, powerful time that should be protected, encouraged, and nurtured.

My hope is that the site will do one thing really well: give us parents a place to laugh, cry, discuss, engage, and help solve the many things we are all dealing with. Some things will be serious in nature, like the concern many of us have over how quickly our girls our growing up. Other times we will simply celebrate what makes girls so special.

So that’s the site. Now back to the purpose of this blog. As we go forward, I want to use this space to make you more aware of what we at Mattel, and specifically at Barbie, are doing to try to help. I know that as a dad, there are times when I could really use some advice and maybe this can be the place to start the conversation.

I also plan, over time, to share with you the names, faces, and thoughts of the many people that I work with every day. These are people who truly feel blessed to work on the Barbie brand, a brand that brings happiness, smiles, and excitement to girls around the globe. In doing so, I hope you can experience what I am able to see everyday…that we truly do believe in girls and that we are committed to doing something about it.

That’s it for now. Please write and tell me what you think.

—Chuck Scothon, father of Gabriella