Barbie Gives Us Something Realistic To Be Proud Of By Honoring Female ‘Sheroes’

Look, I’ve got nothing against Barbie. I had several of them throughout my childhood, and they played nicely alongside my dinosaurs, Legos, and other dolls. They were especially fun in the bathtub, and I will take a Barbie doll over a Bratz doll any day of the week. But I would be remiss in not mentioning the impossible beauty (and at times, brainless fluff) standards Barbie has set for young girls for several years. Sure, now there are things like Doctor Barbie, Barbie for Helicopter Parents, and Veterinarian Barbie and Copywriting Ad Exec Barbie (okay, that one only exists in my dreams), which is way better than Stewardess Barbie of yesteryear. Now, Barbie has taken an inspirational, dare I say ‘feminist’ turn.

Mattel announced Friday that the company is honoring six female “Sheroes” with one-of-a-kind dolls created in their likenesses. Awesomely, one of the honorees is Selma director Ava DuVernay, who is the first black female to direct a film nominated for a Best Picture Oscar. She also the African American Film Festival Releasing Movement, a program providing opportunities and resources to underrepresented filmmakers. Check it out:

Pretty cool, huh? For her part, DuVernay is pleased, tweeting: “I always played w/ my sisters Jina + Tera. For hours making stories + scenarios. So this is special. Thanks, Barbie.”

The only downside is that the “Shero” line (which I wish was just called the “Hero” line, but I get it… it’s all very “Barbie” marketing) is not for sale. There’s only one copy of each “Shero” Barbie, and each will be auctioned off to a specific charity chosen by the real-life woman being honored. Other women named as Sheroes include actress Emmy Rossum, Lucky magazine editor Eva Chen, Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth, 5-year-old fashion designer Sydney ”Mayhem” Keiser and country artist Trisha Yearwood.

Says Barbie herself (not really, but you get the idea):

”Barbie has always represented that girls have choices,” Barbie general manager Evelyn Mazzocco said in a statement emailed to The Huffington Post. ”Started by a female entrepreneur and mother, this brand has a responsibility to continue to honor and encourage powerful female role models who are leaving a legacy for the next generation of glass ceiling breakers.”

Take that, Baywatch Barbie.

(Photo: Shutterstock)