Give us a Break

Written for https://lindaghill.com/2023/10/13/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-oct-14-2023/

The last time I fixed something was probably a long time ago. I can’t think of anything I have mended. I have sewn on buttons, and darned socks. I’ve glued together broken cups. I have also put bandages on Barbies.

My granddaughter’s Barbies have had a dog related incident. Mostly because she throws them at our dog Titan, and he is a bit of a chewer. We have two wheelchairs for her dolls. One designed for a teddy and the other is a Barbie wheelchair.

I like that the makers are finally thinking about children not being generic. Those children with disabilities want to know they aren’t alone too. I also think it is good that Barbie can be anything she wants to be. It is important, because little girls can use this positive image growing up. Why can’t they be doctors or vets? Maybe they can go a little bit further. What about Barbies, who can be mechanics, engineers, or even builders.

Growing up in the seventies, I never had that chance. It was all designed so that either we were all slim and beautiful, or be the perfect housewife. The Janet and John books were full of ”John helped Daddy fix the car” and ”Janet helped Mummy wash up”. I am not saying we can’t be that, but there is so much more to life.

When my granddaughter grows up, I want her to believe she can do anything. If she wants to get married and have children of her own then she should be able to. If she wants to pilot a rocket going to Mars, then she should be able to do that to.

Equal rights have come a long way, but there are women in management positions still not being paid the same as men. I hope by the time my granddaughter gets older that will change.