West Virginia Barbie Doll

? ? Last week West Virginia state lawmaker Jeff Eldridge proposed a bill to legally ban Barbie (and other dolls that promote beauty) from the sales shelves across the state as he believes the busty blonde sends young children the damaging message that looks are everything. I provide you with the actual bill so that (1) you realize this is not a joke, and (2) you can see the actual proposal as presented.

H. B. 2918 (By Delegate Eldridge) [Introduced March 3, 2009; referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.]

A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new article, designated §47-25-1, relating to banning the sale of "Barbie" dolls and other dolls that influence girls to be beautiful.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia: That the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, be amended by adding thereto a new article, designated §47-25-1, to read as follows: ARTICLE 25. BARBIE DOLLS. §47-25-1. Unlawful sale of Barbie dolls. It shall be unlawful in the state to sell "Barbie" dolls and other similar dolls that promote or influence girls to place an undue importance on physical beauty to the detriment of their intellectual and emotional development.

NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to ban the sale of Barbie dolls and other similar dolls.

Now let's talk about the ridiculous waste of time and money spent on this piece of legislation. 1. Barbie is a doll-- a doll! As far as I know she doesn't ask little girls to do anything, much less to pay more importance to physical beauty than to intellectual and emotional development. 2. Barbie is 50 years old, still popular and still fine looking without a single nip or tuck. Maybe Mr. Eldridge should find out whatever Barbie is promoting because she still has it going on. Now, that is intelligent. 3. Mr. Eldridge does not mention Ken, Barbie's stud-like companion in the bill. He states the law will make it "unlawful to sell similar dolls that are a detriment to girls. How does he think Ken makes a boy feel with those perfect rippling dimensions and handsome face? 4. Mr. Eldridge must believe intelligence, emotional development, and beauty do not coexist. I would like to introduce him to some new acquaintances that would beg to differ and would likely make him feel hot under the collar and hot in a few other places, too. 5. Maybe Mr. Eldridge would prefer a Unisex Barbie with optional male/female accessories and a political science degree or the Cross Dressing Lesbian Barbie with Gothic friend Vampiress. 6. Just maybe, Mr. Eldridge should stop looking under Barbie's dress long enough to pay a little more attention to jobs, the economy, and the State of West Virginia. If he can squeeze it into his busy day. 7. Why not ban all dolls.? Fat ones will upset the bulimic people. Skinny ones will upset the fat people. Big boobs, the itty bitty boobed. Itty bitty boobs the silicone sisters. Smart ones will make the dumb people feel inferior. Dumb ones will be the butt of stupid people jokes. Emotionally mature ones will upset the disfunctionally handicapped. Disfunctional ones will be analyzed by the emotionally superior people. They are all potentially negative. 8. And hey, Eldridge, how about G.I. Joe? I don't see you saying girls or boys can't play with him. He would likely kick your Barbie-hating butt and the new ugly doll you rode in on. 9. Mr. Eldridge why don't you quit putting "undue importance" on silly issues that promote the idiocy of congressmen to the detriment of taxpayers' intellectual and emotional development? 10. And, thanks to Barbie4Life for her astute comment about Barbie's resume and 50 year career. Barbie4Life commented more than a week ago:

What I don't understand is why they imply Barbie is not intelligent...she has held careers in most major industries. Take a look at her resume: Education Art teacher (2002) Spanish language teacher (2001) Sign language teacher (1999) Student teacher (1965) Elementary teacher (1985, 1992, 1995, 1996, 2006) Swim Teacher (2005, 2008) Designer (2008) Hair Dresser (2008) Medical Dentist (1997) Medical doctor (1988) Nurse (1961, 2006) Pediatrician (1994, 2000, 2003) Surgeon (1973) Veterinarian (1996, 2007) Military United States Army officer (1989, Desert Storm 1992) United States Air Force jet pilot (1990) United States Air Force Thunderbirds (1993) United States Marine Corps officer (1991) United States Navy officer (1991) Political United States President (2000) Presidential candidate (Barbie for President 1992, 2004) UNICEF Summit diplomat (1990) Ambassador for world peace (1986) Public Service Firefighter (1995) Police officer (1993) Life guard (Baywatch 1994) Canadian Mountie (2005) (available only in Canada) Transportation Astronaut (1965, 1985, 25th Apollo 1994) Flight Attendant (American Airlines 1961, PanAm 1966, Flight Time 1989) NASCAR driver (1998) Pilot (1990) Misc. Babysitter (Barbie Babysits 1963) Business executive (Day to Night 1984) Cowgirl (1981) Chef (1996) Paleontologist (1997) McDonald's cashier (1983) Starfleet officer (2000) Soda fountain Waitress (Coca Cola Series 1998) See's Candy cashier (2002) Spice Girl barbies Disney Princess barbies DC Comics superheroines