If Barbie dolls bother you, get ready to be really bothered.
The iconic American doll, first introduced in 1959, has achieved mega status on a global scale. More than a billion Barbies have been sold in 150 countries.
In a toy career spanning 56 years, Barbie has survived seas of stormy controversy for being too sexy, too blond, and too inappropriate for young children. But get ready for a new wave of controversy.
The latest generation of Barbies will be equipped with Wi-Fi and speech recognition. Meaning little girls (who have always talked to their dollies) will now be able to have them talk back. Intelligently.
According to Mattel, the doll’s maker, “Hello Barbie” uses speech recognition and over time, actually learns a child’s preferences. Pushing a button on Barbie’s belt buckle records the conversation and sends it over Wi-Fi.
At a toy fair in New York City a spokeswoman asked Barbie, “What should I be when I grow up?" The response related to an earlier part of their conversation: "Well, you told me you like being on stage, so maybe a dancer?"
In theory, it’s all harmless fun. But I agree with Susan Linn, Director of the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood. "Kids using 'Hello Barbie' aren't only talking to a doll; they are talking directly to a toy conglomerate whose only interest in them is financial."
Then, too, there’s my own observation of Barbie’s demonstrated history of valuing cuteness over character.
Not to worry, says a Mattel spokesperson. The company is only giving girls what they have always asked for: having a conversation with Barbie.
Yet in a Christ-centered world view, giving girls or boys what they want—just because they want it—has never been wise. Or biblical. Besides—shouldn’t we be teaching them more about having a conversation with God?
When it comes to “Hello Barbie,” I think it’s time we said goodbye.