When toymaker Mattel announced a new career for Barbie, they went for a high-tech option: Computer engineer.
It's pretty sweet. The new doll, which comes out this October, will have a fetching binary code-patterned tee, and she will be accessorized with a smartphone, Bluetooth headset, and pink laptop. Even cooler is the fact that they consulted Erin Fitzgerald, a science and technology policy fellow at the Department of Defense, for some input on how Computer Engineer Barbie should be attired.
"It might seem silly to get excited about a new Barbie doll," Fitzgerald wrote in a nice DoD "Armed with Science" blog post. "But, to me, she will help reinforce in math-loving little girls that they, like Barbie, can grow up to be computer engineers. It has been well documented that in recent years far fewer women are pursuing computer science degrees, so such role models are very important."
That got us to thinking: What the nation needs is more action figures to get children interested in promising careers within the Pentagon.
How about "Defense Acquisition Executive Barbie," for starters? This doll would feature a rugged pantsuit, holstered BlackBerry, plus a bound and printed copy of the Future Years Defense Progam Structure handbook.
Or "TDY Barbie"? The life of the Department of Defense civilian can be exciting, especially when you are collecting an extra pay differential and per diem. It comes with a pair of exercise shorts, designer lanyard for Barbie's CAC card and a souvenir t-shirt from Balad Air Force Base ("It's always happy hour at Mortaritaville!").
Then there's "PowerPoint Barbie." She has mastered the "Afghanistan Stability/COIN Dynamics" slide, and she is armed with a devastatingly accurate laser pointer.
Of course, let's not forget role models for boys. "Paperpusher Ken" comes with his own ergonomic office chair. Note: The "send" button on his plastic desktop computer does not work, and if you remove him from his chair, he turns into "Whistleblower Ken."
And what young child wouldn't want to have "Public Affairs Officer Ken" doll? That silly G.I. Joe may have kung-fu grip, but Public Affairs Officer Ken has a set of ground rules for you to sign. And he wants you to know that this post is a Good News Story for the Department.
[PHOTO: Mattel]
