In today’s society, normal, everyday, young girls have begun to struggle with self-confidence issues and finding positive role models to look up to. But, hope is on the horizon; recently, numerous different toy brands, including the iconic brand Mattel, have decided to incorporate positive messages and dolls. They give girls the confidence to be who they are, instead of conformed versions of themselves.
Just recently, the iconic dolls brand, Barbie, released a new video showing that young girls can aspire to be any job they want, without having to be held back by gender inequality in the business and professional world. The video shows young girls with different careers,including a professor, a businesswomen, a veterinarian and a soccer coach. The adults play along as the girls use their knowledge and education to portray the job in an adult manner. At the end of the video, it is revealed that the girls are really just playing with their barbies.
The video’s biggest takeaway is that “when a girl plays with Barbie, she imagines everything she can become.” This is a fresh take on the brand, considering years ago, people were questioning the effects that the doll had on young girls. It was said that the body shape of Barbie, including her abnormal height, tiny waist and large breasts, did not offer young girls a realistic sense of what the normal women’s body looks like. It is motivating to see that Barbie is pushing girls to pursue their dreams and any profession they aspire for.
Another innovative way that adults are trying to encourage girls to gain positive role models is through the new Vancouver artist, Wendy Tsao, a former model, public speaker for FGM Awareness, and founder of the Foundation for Women’s Dignity and Rights. Tsao is giving the popular line of American fashion dolls, Bratz, a realistic, real life women look. She calls these dolls that she’s given a makeunder, Mighty Dolls.
Her process of transformation begins with stripping the dolls’ smokey eyes and bright pastel lip colors and swapping them for a natural, lifelike look. Then, she turns them into worldwide known female role models that young girls can look up to! She has used JK Rowling, famous author of the Harry Potter Series, who managed to write the series while going through a divorce and learning to be a single mother. Another icon is Malala Yousafzai, one of the youngest Nobel Peace Prize winners, for her efforts to increase female education in her home country, Pakistan. Soon, Mighty Dolls should be featured online for purchase.
It is an uplifting feeling knowing that many strong women and men are brainstorming and creating new ways to increase young girls’ self esteem and confidence. The newest generation of teenage girls, will be some of our most powerful yet.