For the past 50 years we’ve seen Barbara “Barbie” Millicent Roberts in 124 different careers that have run the gamut from aerobics instructor to Marine Corps officer to pediatrician. Today, Mattel announced her newest employment options — computer engineer and news anchor. These were decided on in an online poll where voters could also opt for architect, surgeon, and environmentalist. We don’t know about you, but we would have loved to see Barbie designing sustainable buildings in some Le Corbusier-inspired frames.
Instead we get this. Do female computer engineers actually wear shirts embellished with binary code, paired with sparkly leggings and hot pink glasses — complete with matching computer screen? Apparently. Or, at least they like to imagine that they do. According to Mattel’s press release:
To create an authentic look, Barbie® designers worked closely with the Society of Women Engineers and the National Academy of Engineering to develop the wardrobe and accessories for Computer Engineer Barbie®. Wearing a binary code patterned tee and equipped with all the latest gadgets including a smart phone, Bluetooth headset, and laptop travel bag, Computer Engineer Barbie® is geek chic.
While we were snickering over Mattel’s misappropriation of “geek chic,” we spied News Anchor Barbie channeling Elle Woods in head-to-toe pink. She’s kind of a hooker. What would Christiane Amanpour say? More importantly, where can we get those bangs? They’re perfect.
What do you think about Barbie’s new career paths? Let us know in comments.