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

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