A Working Mom's Blog...thought-provoking "bald & beautiful" doll story

My daughters have loved Barbie dolls since they both had enough hand control to hold them!

In our home, we have dozens of these dolls. We have Barbies of all types – fancy, preppy, princesses, little sisters, big sisters – we even bought the pregnant mommy-Barbie as a way to help excite our 3-yr old who was about to be a big sister a few years back. Could I tell you all of the brands and types we own? Nah, I know we have true Barbies, Liv dolls, Moxie Girls, and now a bunch of Monster High ones.

My girls love the outfits the most (oh, and they always notice the eye make-up and smiles on the faces). In fact, about a year ago after using a gift card at Toys R Us on a new Barbie, our then-5yr-old shocked me by promptly undressing the doll as soon as we got to the car “I just wanted the dress, Mommy!” she informed me.

So, for a mom like me, when I see a headline about the possibility of a new Barbie – I stop and read more. What started as a news story that intrigued me has turned into my subscribing to a newsfeed on Facebook that is inspiring and provides its followers with neat snippets each day…it’s a community called Beautiful and Bald Barbie! Let's see if we can get it made. As of today, they already have 142,988 “likes” on Facebook and that’s separate than all of the other PR this group is getting.

The group shares stories of courage –including pictures of kids and grown-up “heroes” and “warriors”. The stories and photos are truly incredible and moving.

Sprinkled among the human-interest anecdotes are also the factual updates about how the quest is going to convince Mattel (the makers of the “Barbie” Barbie dolls) to manufacture and sell dolls without hair as “bald and beautiful’.

As a reader, I’m overwhelmed with empathy and interest in watching these passionate parents and survivors strive toward their goal. As a parent, I’m on the fence – would I buy one for my girls? They just recently watched a very dear loved one go through the ups and downs of losing her hair after chemotherapy and then starting again as ‘new’ and very different hair grew back. If we had that doll, would that have helped them during this last year?

The original article I saw was very thought-provoking about the need to use even a toy like this as an educational tool that teaches sensitivity toward all types of girls – not just the average stereotypes, cultures and fashion – but literally, girls of all types.

Interestingly enough, I saw another woman who posted a photo of a whole bunch of Barbie dolls who were bald but with beautiful big pink hats; she included a sweet message of support for the group.

I love the idea of teaching my girls even more about the fact that beauty comes from within. It’s an incredible message to teach. But, I confess, if I bought the new bald Barbie, I bet my girls would find a very sparkly scarf or hat to add to her outfit. I hope I do get the chance to see it on the store shelves.

How admirable of this group to have already gained such a following. I urge you to check it out: www.facebook.com/BeautifulandBaldBarbie and see what you think. I’m leaning toward making sure we buy one.