Chancellor Barbie
By raincoasterBarbara Millicent Rogers comes in for a lot of flack in the blogosphere, some of it deserved, and some strictly appearance-based and you know how we feel about catty remarks based on someone’s appearance around these parts. Long, indeed, has it been my own hope that she, like Nancy Drew, might some day stop tooling around in that dopey convertible and accessorizing compulsively and get a real job.
That day, my friends, has arrived. Behold the Angela Merkel Barbie:
As part of a series to celebrate the toy’s 50th birthday, manufacturer Mattel has brought out a version modelled on the German chancellor. The doll wears the politician’s tailored trouser suit and her trademark blonde bob, but the resemblance ends there: its tiny waistline is more Heidi Klum than Angela Merkel and its smiling face is free of the worry lines produced when you are trying to fight economic crisis in Europe’s largest economy.
A spokeswoman for Mattel said that like Barbie, Merkel embodied the dreams of many girls who want to get on in the world. “She’s simply a good role model for girls around the world,” she said.
Alas, like the original, the Barbie Angela Merkel is one-of-a-kind and not for sale. No word on how well she plays with others, but the signs are good:
February 10th, 2009 at 5:58 am
I wonder what other barbies they will come out with this year.
February 10th, 2009 at 10:12 pm
I got a VERY interesting press release yesterday from “Barbie’s people” and you won’t believe what’s coming next. I actually envy Barbie, for the first time in my life.
Still, I DO wish they’d make this one available for sale. The original story reported it was available for twenty euros, but it turns out to be unique, just a model for promotional purposes.