Capitol Barbie

Just as GI Joe more or less epitomized the male ideal (tough, resourceful soldier who was patriotic and came with a wealth of accessories and the ever popular kung-fu grip) it was Barbie that long represented (rightly or wrongly) the female ideal. At least as far as men were concerned. Although there have been major issues over Barbie and what she supposedly stands for in recent years, somehow the doll (and I don't mean that in a condescending way) has been around for a long while and continues to have appeal among young girls even today. But if West Virginia Delegate Jeff Eldridge has his way, the doll will be banned from West Virginia in the very near future.

According to Eldridge, the doll places too much emphasis on beauty and that can damage a young girl's psyche. Now perhaps I have overstated what Eldridge's concern is but still, that is more or less the gist of what he is raising his objection over. He introduced a bill recently that is currently under review by the House Judiciary Committee and could very well come up for discussion in the near future. Now in light of all the talk that is being thrown up around town in recent days regarding reckless spending and pork barrel projects being promoted by Congressional leaders and the White House, where does everyone think that this kind of bill stands?

When I elect a leader to Congress or to the White House, it's because I expect the politician to represent my voice to the people and eventually up to the higher levels of government where I can have my say. That's the true power of democracy; but I'm curious to know whether the people of Lincoln County, West Virginia (the district that Eldridge represents) voted him into office to take on Barbie. I would think that in the current economic crisis, banning Barbie from warping the hearts and minds of young girls wouldn't be a major issue. I agree that the message that the 'ideal woman doll' sends is not the best one for young girls but then you're also standing on the edge of opening a larger can of worms in terms of how to deal with beauty perceptions and the like all over society.

To put it succinctly; if one looks at every single form of entertainment on this planet, is not beauty emphasized over normalness? Do we admire the plain-Janes at the Oscars or in fashion magazines? No! We admire the bold and the beautiful and all those who look like they are chiseled from some sculpter's imagination. So do we really need Congress to spend time and energy discussing whether or not the state of West Virginia should ban Barbie for setting an unrealistic standard of beauty and body-type for young girls? I don't think so.