Everybody knows that toys are just toys, and kids should be allowed play with whatever they want regardless of which gender it’s marketed towards.
Barbie is a cultural icon who has been around since 1959 when she was debuted by her creator Ruth Handler, who founded Mattel Creations in 1945.
Since then she has run for President six times, became a business executive in 1985 and has held over 150 jobs since her humble beginning.(BarbieMedia) However, in the 56 years she has been around there has never been a little boy featured in a Barbie advertisement until now.
The fashion house Moschino have collaborated to release a limited edition Barbie doll decked out in designer swag, and an amazing little boy (with the best hair we have ever seen on a child) is the star.(The Advocate)
This move has been welcomed by the many that believe that children’s toy marketing is too gender specific, and that it restricts the imaginations of young people.
Okay, for purposes of balance, here’s a Moschino Barbie ad where a cute boy calls his doll FIERCE. Giving me life. https://t.co/x54fwfxRkJ
— Philly McMahon (@McMahonPhilly) November 16, 2015
Moschino Barbie included a boy in a recent commercial. It is nice to see the breakdown of stereotypes in ads. https://t.co/LwrgRDxZeU — Heather Ishikawa (@heatherishikawa) November 17, 2015
Generally the tide seems to be turning towards a more gender neutral approach to toys, with American superstore chain Target recently removing gender-based signage in their premises.(CNN)
