Subjects like cancer are especially difficult to explain to children, even more so how to cope. For a pair of friends, there is something that could be done. Friends Rebecca Sypin and Jane Bingham have come together to pitch an idea to Mattel that could help with such issues. The two have created a Facebook page to push for the creation of a bald version of the iconic Barbie doll.
As with anything, there are cynics out there. There are those who say that you could just simply shave the hair off an existing Barbie. Anyone who's had a brother can tell you that you will not get the look you're aiming for. Also, some have criticized the idea of it as it detracts from people directly contributing to cancer-related charities. It has to be pointed out though that sadly, most of the population is unaware of how the disease affects people's lives, let alone the teaching tool it can provide to younger kids.
Personally speaking, I love this idea. After having to deal with cancer in my family, as I'm sure many of us have known someone afflicted by it, any thing that can help those understand what's going on will be beneficial. I would love to see Mattel actually do something that would be empowering with Barbie that isn't a career.
[Via Associated Press]
