I Can Be _______!

Computer Engineer Barbie
Photo: Mattel

Like many little girls, I used to spend hours playing with my Barbie dolls and making different outfits ranging from simple pretty dresses to graduation caps and gowns to chef hats to roller derby jerseys but I rarely shared this with my sisters or parents. I guess these were my secret ambitions, so when I learned about the series of "I Can Be" Barbie Dolls, I was so excited that I had to share.

There is much concern in the United States about interest in science and math and an even greater concern that girls are turning away from these careers for many reasons ranging from confidence issues or well to be honest wanting boys to like them.   This is why these Barbie dolls struck me when I read about them in the Daily GOOD.

They gives little girls a chance to imagine and explore while encouraging them at the same time.  The series includes the traditional bride, ballerina, and babysitter but also includes a race car driver, doctor, architect, news anchor, and my favorite so far, computer engineer. 

There has been some controversy over these dolls and if they can really help determine someone's career. Well, it is about more than that. It is about inspiration. Let's remember being a kid is supposed to be fun and a time to learn and discover.  Of course, not everyone is going to be the next Kobe Bryant, Lady GaGa, or Nobel Prize winner but Mattel might be onto something. 

Basically, we need to instill confidence, inspire hard work, and most of all the idea that kids (and adults) can be _anything_!

Read the full article on GOOD
Check out the series of Barbie Dolls