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Scheme to give Barbie dolls to primary school children

234 replies

ArabeIIaScott · 21/07/2023 09:18

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/07/21/scheme-to-give-barbie-dolls-to-150000-children-is-alarming/

'Primary school scheme is ‘gender stereotyping’ and ‘stealth marketing’ by Mattel, experts say'

'Mattell's "Barbie School of Friendship" programme, in which free dolls are given for children to carry out role play exercises, has been rolled out to 700 schools across the UK, "with the potential to reach more than 150,000 pupils", according to the company.'

https://www.news-medical.net/news/20230720/Mattel-accused-of-stealth-marketing-after-giving-away-free-Barbie-dolls-to-schools.aspx

'experts have criticized the programme, raising questions about potential negative effects of Barbie dolls in terms of gender stereotyping, questioning the use of research to justify the programme, and asking whether companies should be able to freely market their products through schools."The project makes me suspicious that it may be exploitative", said Philippa Perry'

Scheme to give Barbie dolls to 150,000 children is ‘alarming’

Primary school scheme is ‘gender stereotyping’ and ‘stealth marketing’ by Mattel, experts say

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/07/21/scheme-to-give-barbie-dolls-to-150000-children-is-alarming

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SunnyEgg · 21/07/2023 09:30

GrumpyPanda · 21/07/2023 09:28

I'm sure there are thousands of families who would like any kind of free corporate goodies. Still doesn't mean it's acceptable to turn schools into their free marketing arm.

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Yes to this

GrumpyPanda · 21/07/2023 09:28

MrsSkylerWhite · 21/07/2023 09:19

I imagine there are many thousands of families who would be delighted to receive a free doll.

I'm sure there are thousands of families who would like any kind of free corporate goodies. Still doesn't mean it's acceptable to turn schools into their free marketing arm.

MrsSkylerWhite · 21/07/2023 09:24

ArabeIIaScott · Today 09:21
MrsSkylerWhite · Today 09:19

I imagine there are many thousands of families who would be delighted to receive a free doll.
Well by that logic, maybe schools should hand out free cans of Coke; I imagine there are thousands of families who would be delighted to receive free soft drinks”

Coke is banned in most schools. Toys generally aren’t.

Robinbuildsbears · 21/07/2023 09:24

Are they only giving dolls to girls and not to boys? Or are they not using any Ken dolls? Really don't see the issue here from a feminist perspective, although obviously any private businesses benefiting from an impressionable captive audience is a bit questionable.

Boiledbeetle · 21/07/2023 09:22

Just what schools need lots of plastic Barbie dolls! Id have Hated that as a kid. But then I hated dolls full stop

But a can of Coke would have been gratefully received!

Blinkingmarvellous · 21/07/2023 09:22

I think there are benefits (social, verbal) to encouraging role play over screens. And kids who've been given devices in the high chair or buggy won't pick up the skills for creative play unprompted

Original poster
ArabeIIaScott · 21/07/2023 09:21

MrsSkylerWhite · 21/07/2023 09:19

I imagine there are many thousands of families who would be delighted to receive a free doll.

Well by that logic, maybe schools should hand out free cans of Coke; I imagine there are thousands of families who would be delighted to receive free soft drinks.

OP posts:
Original poster
ArabeIIaScott · 21/07/2023 09:20

Not much expansion in the article of the headline reference to the unrealistic body ideals of Barbie, or the regressive stereotypes of the dolls' outfits, accessories or narratives.

Which I've been slightly surprised to have seen absolutely no evidence of in the recent relentless push of the new Barbie movie.

OP posts:
MrsSkylerWhite · 21/07/2023 09:19

I imagine there are many thousands of families who would be delighted to receive a free doll.