Lately, it seems to me that this PC business has gotten seriously out of hand. I’m referring to the new “Talking Barbie” that people are getting so bent out of shape over. I guess I have a problem understanding why some people are so offended.

Why make such an issue over the fact that Barbie says something that is perceived as a stereotype to women. Hasn’t anyone looked at her lately? Although she embodies a physical stereotype of women, I don’t see anyone favoring a plump, pimple-faced Barbie so that young girls will have a better self-image. Maybe, it’s time to blame Barbie for eating disorders, too, since she obviously sets a standard for physical beauty. Barbie, however, is not the problem.

The problem is that some people get so caught up in triviality that it’s hard for them to see the big picture. Blaming Barbie is not the answer. The root of this problem is the concept that children will take what Barbie says to be gospel. Perhaps they need role models other than their dolls to teach them how to think.

This is an election year. It’s time to worry more about some real people who will have a greater impact on the future of our children than a Barbie doll that says “Math is tough.”

Mary E. Hook

English

Senior