Goodbye Barbie

http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2013/07/17/202417282/KIDS-GOTH-BARBIE

Here is a link to a story I heard on NPR in the car. This is the new coolest toy apparently. Since I dont teach elementary school anymore I do not know what the little girls are saying is the new cool toy. I do have a niece, who cried when I gave her a Barbie 6 pack for Christmas. She doesn't like dolls, thinks they are scary, and doesnt even want to be friends with what she calls "Princess Girls" Love her, unrelated to topic just though it was funny.

Anyway it appear this new Monster anorexic Barbie is all the rage. What caught my attention was that it has on ongoing webisodes that bring the dolls to life. They are not just a toy, they are a narration and a tale to tell. When we were little we had Doctor Barbie, Cowgirl Barbie etc and I think there may have been a cartoon, but it was never very popular.

I think it is interesting that the popularity of a physical old fashioned toy is being bolstered by an internet based show.
I went to the website and there are one way games, shows and apps. I think they may really benefit from a more interactive site where the girls could discuss, have input and explore the toys.

http://www.mattel.com/our-sites