Mattel is jumping on the fluid gender bandwagon by marketing a Barbie to boys. Not as in boys playing with Barbie as with any other action figure, but targeting boys who are confused about their gender. A new ad features a Barbie with clothes from a high-end designer and the thrilled response of an effeminate little boy. See the ad and an account of what Mattel is trying to do after the jump.
In a lame attempt to compete with the eternal popularity of Disney princesses, Mattel partnered with high-end fashion line Moschino to increase sales this holiday season. While Disney offers princesses with superpowers, Mattel offers chicks with super wardrobes. But it isn’t her outfits that make Moschino Barbie a standout in the crowd. It’s the fact that she’s no longer marketed just to girls. Jumping on the gender fluidity bandwagon, Mattel has decided to market their latest dolls to boys.
Boys, mind you, with George Michael-esque hairdos that require more product and styling than most women employ for their weddings. “Moschino Barbie is so fierce!” he declares as he loops a leatherette purse over Barbie’s shoulder.
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