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Computer programmer Barbie called out as sexist, gets pulled off Amazon

When the creators of Barbie, Mattel, released a range of story books aimed at breaking gender stereotypes and inspiring girls to take on male-dominated careers, the thought that one of the books would be called out for its sexist content probably never crossed their minds.

The book, titled “Barbie: I can be a Computer Engineer”, follows the story of IT student (Barbie) as she plans on creating a basic computer programme… but apparently she needs the help of two male friends to help her do so because she can only do the game’s designs and not the actual programming.

Below is the passage that raised many eyebrows:

At breakfast one morning, Barbie is already hard at work on her laptop.

“What are you doing, Barbie?” asks Skipper.

“I’m designing a game that shows kids how computers work,” explains Barbie. “You can make a robot puppy do cute tricks by matching up colored blocks!”

“Your robot puppy is so sweet,” says Skipper. “Can I play your game?”

“I’m only creating the design ideas,” Barbie says, laughing. “I’ll need Steven and Brian’s help to turn it into a real game!”

Another text from the book reads as follows:

After class, Barbie meets with Steven and Brian in the library.

“Hi, guys,” says Barbie. I tried to send you my designs, but I ended up crashing my laptop–and Skipper’s, too! I need to get back the lost files and repair both of our laptops.

The book was originally available on Amazon, but has since been pulled after being on the receiving backlash from many reviewers, posting on the book’s page on the site.

In response to the nightmare that is Barbie: I can be a Computer Engineer, a website called Feminist Hacker Barbie has been created to “help make computer engineer Barbie better,” the site says.

Screenshot (305)

On the site, you can change the original text in the Barbie book to something better that presents Barbie as a capable programmer who can do it herself. Once, you’re done, you can download the image and share it on social media with hashtag #FeministHackerBarbie.

Screenshot (306)
Original text from “Barbie: I Can Be a Computer Engineer”

Amazon and Mattel are yet to comment on the issue.

[Source – The Guardian, Image – Feminist Hacker Barbie]

 

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