Fun_People Archive
29 Sep
Mattel's contribution to our culture

Date: Tue, 29 Sep 92 18:24:20 PDT
To: Fun_People
Subject: Mattel's contribution to our culture

Slightly edited from the original by: SEA::MMCCARTY
Via: pep@research.att.com & "Jenifer" & llc@research.att.com

> Subj:  Mattel and math avoidance in girls.
>
>    According to the Wall Street Journal this morning, Mattel is selling a
> product called "Teen Talk Barbie" that says 4 phrases.  One of the phrases
> is "Math class is hard".  I can't imagine a product better designed to
> program math avoidance into little girls.  We've all heard many times how
> math avoidance limits women's educational opportunities and career choices.
> Mattel justifies this product by saying they aren't saying the other
> classes are easy, and they have a doll availble that says "I want to be
> a doctor".  I'm sure we all wish Barbie good luck on achieving her goal
> of becoming a doctor without any math skills.
>    If you have views on this subject that you would like to share with
> the Mattel company, you can call 1-800-421-2887 or write to Mattel at
> 330 Continental Blvd., El Segundo, Ca. 90245.
>
> As Barbie no doubt says -- have a nice day.
>
>				 Margie

© 1992 Peter Langston