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

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.