Barbie has been a fighter pilot and astronaut – and worn a hijab.
But now a toy set to be a Christmas best-seller has put her back in the kitchen – infuriating gender equality campaigners. The pink £49.99 Barbie Ultimate Kitchen is in the top 12 dream Christmas toys listed by a Toy Retailers Association panel.
It includes an oven, a fryer, a fridge and a press for children to make chips and vegetables.
Newcastle Labour MP Chi Onwurah attacked the toy yesterday saying it could limit aspirations.
She insisted: ‘I’d really like to know who is on this panel and why they insist little girls “must have” pink kitchens for Christmas.
‘Girls and boys shouldn’t have their imaginations – and ultimately their careers – limited by toy marketers.’
Miss Onwurah stressed: ‘Toys should help them discover what they love to do – not keep them in the kitchen.’
However, industry analyst Frederique Tutt defended the toy, saying: ‘It’s all about lifestyle now with Barbie dolls. She’s not just a housewife cooking for Ken. She’s watched the Great British Bake Off and she’s being innovative with her cooking.’
This article has been adapted from its original source.
