On the occasion of the death of Barbara Handler, co-founder of Mattel, veteran breast-cancer activist, and creator of the Barbie doll (who died over the weekend at age 85), the New Republic’s Michelle Cottle writes a nice tribute to Barbie and her “mom”. Here’s a excerpt:

[…] in the process of giving Barbie voice, little girls can give voice to whatever thoughts, feelings, and aspirations are bubbling within. I never bothered with a Ken doll, so my Barbie spent most of her time hanging with Ernie and Bert. They played school. They played veterinarian (again with the stuffed animals). They occasionally explored the carnal side of human nature–which, in those innocent times, basically consisted of my tucking them into a shoebox together, painted-on lips touching. Barbie cried when I was sad, danced when I was happy. And when I was in the midst of a childish rage … let’s just say poor Ernie and Bert endured more than one Barbie-delivered karate chop.

There’s even a feminist case for Barbie. Unlike all the baby dolls before her, Barbie at least gave little girls the opportunity to dream about something beyond becoming a mother at the first biologically feasible moment. Make no mistake, motherhood is a glorious thing, and I’m sure more than one wee chick learned to change diapers by practicing on Betsy Wetsy. But the women’s movement is all about choices, and playing with Barbie allowed girls to explore the adult world beyond the bassinette. Granted, in the early days, Barbie’s fashion options tended to push playacting in the stereotypically girly direction: princess, bride, gymnast, stewardess (not “flight attendant,” thank you very much). But like the rest of us, Barbie expanded her horizons over the years. Today, she can be a doctor, a dentist, a business exec, and — having outpaced reality by God knows how many generations — the president of the United States.

Nice li’l figure, too.

Not to mention she was the best beard Kennyboy coulda’ hoped for…