Barbie’s I Can Be a Computer Engineer storybook could have been a game changer to the way girls’ toys are marketed. It could have set the standard for intellectually progressive and positive toys, books, and video games targeted for young girls. It could have introduced a generation of wide eyed and tech-savvy elementary schoolers to the world of computer science. Instead, it became a short and blatantly sexist picture book.
In the book, Barbie is working on designing a computer game for a class at school. Way to go Barbie, that sounds great! What could be wrong with this? However, Barbie then declares she needs Brian and Steven’s help to “turn it into a real game.” Uhh… okay Barbie.
Barbie and her sister Skipper then accidentally give both their laptops a virus from Barbie’s faulty flash drive. The girls struggle to reboot their computer before going and asking Brian and Steven for help, but not before having a quick pillow fight. Because of course two girls working together on a computer always ends in a pillow fight right?
Brian and Steven end up saving Barbie’s assignment as well as the girl’s laptops and Barbie declares that she really can be a computer engineer. Yay! The end! Great job Mattel writing staff.
I was raised on the bottle and the Barbie doll. From when I can remember, I always had a Barbie doll in my hand. My favorite Christmas present dates back to 2000 when I received Barbie’s Grand Hotel from Santa. I played with it through 6th grade, no regrets. Yes, I recognize the flaws in Barbie’s design and her unproportional body type, but those were never things I looked at as a child. Nascar Barbie had me and my friends racing our Barbie Jeeps down the street in an effort to win our imaginary race. Veterinarian Barbie inspired me to explore my passion for animals and zoology, which eventually led me to volunteer for five years at my local zoo. I truly believe Barbie can inspire young girls to follow their dreams and explore different interests, but it has to be done right.
Although Mattel released the book way back in 2010, it wasn’t until last week when screenwriter Pamela Ribon got hold of a copy when the mess that is I Can Be a Computer Engineer was revealed. Ribon wrote a hilarious and to-the-point review of the book on her blog, prompting an online movement which has been dubbed #FeministHackerBarbie. A website allowing users to rewrite pages from the book as they think they should be sprung up overnight, and twitter soon took notice. Here are some of my favorite Feminist Hacker Barbie moments.
As of November 21st, Mattel has pulled the book and issued a statement on the issue. According to Barbie’s Facebook page, “The Barbie I Can Be A Computer Engineer book was published in 2010. Since that time we have reworked our Barbie books. The portrayal of Barbie in this specific story doesn’t reflect the Brand’s vision for what Barbie stands for. We believe girls should be empowered to understand that anything is possible and believe they live in a world without limits. We apologize that this book didn’t reflect that belief. All Barbie titles moving forward will be written to inspire girl’s imaginations and portray an empowered Barbie character.”
Wow, actual good job Mattel! Maybe soon we will a Barbie I Can Be a PR Specialist to help young girls learn how to do damage control as effective as you.