Barbie celebrates her 49th birthday today. No doubt she has retreated to the Barbie Dream Cottage for a weekend of relaxation, away from the harsh glare of the media spotlight.
Like many women, I feel a little conflicted about Barbie. On one hand, with her vapid smile, teeny-tiny waist and frequent fixation on living the glamorous life, she sends the message to little girls that shallowness is swell. On the other, she symbolizes female empowerment by pursuing various career tracks, from doctor to WNBA player, paleontologist to President of the United States.
Pop-culture-wise, she has her cons (see that horrible song by Aqua) as well as her pros (see the impressive Malibu Stacy collection of one Waylon Smithers).
Either way, I know this much: She's not nearly as slutty as those Bratz or, as I call them, Lil' Hos.
And that's reason enough to hop in my Dream Car, pick up Skipper and go for a birthday joy ride in Barbie's honor.
Photo: Mattel Inc.
