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W. Va. Considers Banning Barbie on 50th Birthday

Lawmaker seeks to switch emphasis from beauty to brains

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 5, 2009 2:25 AM CST

(Newser) – A West Virginia lawmaker wants to boot Barbie and dolls like her from store shelves before the famous babe celebrates her 50th birthday next week, reports Fox News. Banning the dolls would send a message to children and adults that education is more important than physical beauty, said the lawmaker. A colleague hailed the legislator's concerns but doubted his bill would pass.

The 50th anniversary of Barbie is commemorated with a lineup of dolls, starting with the first Barbie in original black and white swim suit, in a display by Mattel.
The 50th anniversary of Barbie is commemorated with a lineup of dolls, starting with the first Barbie in original black and white swim suit, in a display by Mattel.   (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle)
This Barbie is based on German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
This Barbie is based on German Chancellor Angela Merkel.   (AP Photo/Mattel, HO)
A Magic of the Rainbow Barbie Doll is displayed in the Mattel showroom at the 2007 American International Toy Fair in New York.
A Magic of the Rainbow Barbie Doll is displayed in the Mattel showroom at the 2007 American International Toy Fair in New York.   (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, file)
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I just hate the image that we give to our kids that if you're beautiful, you're beautiful and you don't have to be smart. - West Virginia state lawmaker Jeff Eldridge

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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
sache
Mar 8, 2009 9:35 PM CDT
Is that the best they can do in West Virginia? No other pressing problems other than Barbie.
Guest
Mar 6, 2009 1:07 AM CST
I completely agree, but one also has to be realistic. Banning Barbie is a little extreme isn't it?

State's people split on Barbie ban
WTAP

Barbie to get facelift for 50th birthday
Los Angeles Business Journal

Parents complain about new Tattoo Barbie
ABC News

 
toys • Mattel • Barbie • West Virginia • doll

 
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