I Spy Barbie, A.K.A., Barbie Video Girl

I Spy Barbie, A.K.A., Barbie Video Girl

Mattel, have you gone too far?

While strolling down the packed, Christmas, toy aisles yesterday, I spied my favorite doll, Barbie. I should say I have an extensive collection of my own Barbies. Only this time she had a unique twist. Barbie Video Girl comes equipped with a hidden web cam; disguised as a necklace resting on her ample bosom. Her hot-pink hoodie hides a screen on her back, allowing for instant viewing, from Barbie’s point of view, possibly of Ken’s indiscretions. Her USB port is right above her booty. Mattel points out she can’t stand on her own, but she can kneel for easy shooting. The box says age appropriate is six years old and estimated costs range from $44 to $50.

My husband and I stood transfixed by Barbie’s latest accessory. He said, “Just think what you could do with her. You could put her in your kid’s room, turn her on, and see exactly what the babysitter is doing.” Reading the features on the box, we learned she is compatible with Mac and Windows and you can record and watch instantly.

I said, “I mean, really, who would ever suspect Barbie?” I know Barbie has everything, but this might be too much technology for my taste. She is dressed ready for a street corner; her hair in a ponytail; she is my dream doll turned traitor. I can’t imagine what the inventors at Mattel were thinking. How did this ad pitch go? Your little darling can spy on her best friend’s parents.

I am picturing a potential lawsuit for invasion of privacy. Nolo’s plain English law dictionary defines privacy as “The right to be free of unnecessary public scrutiny, or to be let alone.” I can see the headlines now: Barbie Video Girl was named as a Defendant today and charged with multiple counts of violating the 1^st, 4^th and 5^th Amendments to the United States Constitution. Longtime boyfriend, Deputy Public Defender, Ken Carson, is set to represent her at arraignment and trial. Since Barbie had no priors, she was released on bail and a trial date was set.

Addressing the bench, Deputy Public Defender, Ken Carson, pleads with the Court: “Your Honor, Barbie was acting innocently enough. What is the harm in filming a little child’s play?”

Supreme Court Justice, Skipper, pronounced Barbie guilty today on all counts of violation of privacy and sentenced her to LWOP, Life without Popularity. Her lifelong companion, Midge Hadley, was present in Court, along with Fashionistas Ryan and Marie-Alecia for support. Barbie was stiffly marched away in cuffs, escorted by Marshal Blaine Gordon.

Why this could be the makings of a child’s nightmare, not an iconic dream doll. Barbie made her debut March 9, 1959, the creation of Ruth Handler, and has been the leader in the toy fashion doll market for over 50 years. From that year to today every little girl wants a Barbie; she was and still is the it doll. Bob Mackie even designs outfits for her to this day. She has stood tall on her pedestal, filled with America’s core values and virtues. Her 1950’s figure was ideal for a doll; however, for a real woman, she would have fallen over from the shear weight of her bosom and impossibly thin waistline. In 1997 Mattel made Barbie’s waistline wider.

Barbie is no stranger to controversy or is it just an excellent marketing ploy? April, 2009, launched Totally Stylin’ Tatoo Barbie . She comes complete with a lower back, aka, tramp stamp, tattoo of “Ken”. Although there were plenty of parents’ complaints, the doll was not recalled; however plans for her friends with nose rings and tats were canceled. The box shows little girls giving little girls tattoos with a pink tattoo stamper.

Back in 1999 Mattel launched Butterfly Art Barbie. She was recalled in four months after numerous complaints. I am glad they did not go to Barbie with a nose ring and a diamond pierced tongue. I loved Barbie for her simplicity, for her goodness, for her kind heart, okay, I know she isn’t real, but to many little girls she is. I want to keep her on her pedestal, not on the slippery slop to I Spy Barbie; Terrorist-Trained Barbie or Blackmail Barbie.

Don’t get me wrong, technology is a wonderful thing, but do I need it in my Barbie doll’s famous chest? Icons should remain icons. You don’t mess with Mother Nature and you shouldn’t mess with Barbie. I vote to leave Barbie wholesome and pure. I think this time Mattel has gone too far and Barbie Video Girl should be taken off the market or, perhaps, it’s just my imagination running wild.

But isn’t that what Mattel made Barbies for, to ignite the imagination of a child? I can be a Pizza Chef Barbie ; a Newborn Baby Doctor Barbie ; a Kitty Care Vet Barbie ; a Dentist Playset Barbie ; a Babysitter Playset Barbie ; a Seaworld Trainer Barbie or a Barbie Video Girl . Then Mattel has succeeded once again. Mattel won an award for most innovative product. I picked up Barbie Video Girl, played with her; had an imaginary adventure and tucked her back on the shelf and headed to produce.