Today’s post begins with a fractal called Venus. I picked it because Venus was an icon of beauty and charm (as is the Barbie (TM) doll. The coloration of the image is “Barbie Pink” as well so that seemed like another good reason to choose the image. SO--on with today’s rant!
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The latest “tempest in a teapot” has gotten me wondering what’s wrong with us as a nation. Next month Mattel Toys will be releasing a new collectible Barbie (TM) based on the DC Comics character Black Canary. Critics are labeling this “S&M Barbie” and complaining this isn’t a suitable toy for children. I haven’t seen the actual doll but the photos make me scratch my head for a number of reasons.
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For those of you who aren’t comic fans, here’s a little background on Black Canary. (I’ve even included a pic of how’s she’s currently drawn.) Black Canary made her debut in Flash Comics way back in 1947 (wearing her trademark black bathing suit and fishnets). She’s always been something of a “second tier” character but briefly made an appearance on television during the brief run of Birds Of Prey (WB). In 2008 Mattel decided to issue a series of Barbies based on DC Comics characters (Supergirl, Batgirl, Wonder Woman and the Black Canary that is causing so much controversy).
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Mattel says Black Canary Barbie (TM) is intended for “girls 14 and over” although frankly I find this disingenuous at best, self delusional if not an outright lie. This doll isn’t priced as a “toy” but as a collector’s item. Some “completeists” will buy the doll just because they want all things Barbie. Fans of Comic Memorabilia will want the doll as well but I don’t see legions of perverts lining up to buy this.
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Some critics aren’t happy with the fishnet stockings, leather jacket and boots and metal details: they call this the “S&M Barbie” (which I can sort of see). They worry about the suitability of this for children but are unaware of a few salient facts: this doll won’t be available in your average Toy Store. Most impressionable children won’t even SEE this doll and if they do they won’t recognize any less-than-savory implications. (If they DO the kid has other problems that need to be addressed with a good Therapist.) The doll will be marketed for a few months than pulled off the shelves (and I’m sure Mattel won’t be making a ton of these in any case) so this will soon fade away from the public consciousness.
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With everything going on in the world it amazes me that folks are wasting ink, breath and blog space on this. Black Canary Barbie isn’t going to ruin the fabric of society so take the teapot off the stove and let the tempest subside.
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