Barbie is turning 50.

I’m not sure if it’s fitting or ironic that this momentous occasion coincides with Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day (March 8). While Barbie has been the subject of periodic controversy, the other events are devoted to commemorating women’s rights and peace.

In terms of gender stereotypes, Barbie has been a controversial and ironic figure. Feminists and women’s rights proponents have long been disgusted with Barbie and her unrealistic body proportions — not to mention her permanently high-heel shaped feet. Back in 2002, Mattel introduced a pregnant version of Midge, Barbie’s married friend, who was reported to be expecting her second child. Apparently, Midge’s magnetic pregnant tummy could be removed and — voila! — a baby was inside. The stores carrying the doll got so much negative feedback about potentially encouraging teen pregnancy that she was pulled from shelves shortly before Christmas that year.

What’s interesting to me is that Barbie is garnering big birthday headlines, while many of us need to be reminded of International Women’s Day, even though that event is 45 years older than the blonde bombshell of a toy. International Women’s Day, commemorated on March 8, is devoted to women’s rights and peace, as opposed to bikini-ready bodies.

Even though Barbie-dom has made strides over the decades by increasing her waist size and donning her with outfits to coordinate with occupations such as an astronaut, an army medic, NASCAR driver and even presidential candidate, our society still suffers from serious gender stereotyping. Witness the latest round of Swiffer “Baby Come Back” commercials, with old mops and brooms trying to win over women’s hearts with candy, flowers and music. Nowhere in sight is there a female mop trying to woo the man of the house back to housework.

In the end, I’d much rather be effective than right. Rather than banning Barbie and all her pink, high-heeled, fashionista Barbie-ness, I advocate a much less drastic approach: Talk about it.

Talk to your daughters and sons about Barbie’s proportions and how unrealistic they are. Discuss with your teens how girls and women sometimes feel so badly about themselves physically that they resort to risky surgery to enlarge their breasts, or get involved in sexual relationships they are not ready for. Watch the video vignettes put out by the Dove Campaign for Real Beauty (www.campaignforrealbeauty.com). And talk about real women who have made history — from Harriet Tubman, to Amelia Earhart, to Eleanor Roosevelt to Hillary Clinton. It is Women’s History Month, so discuss how you think Barbie has affected the history of women in our country and around the world. Find out what your daughters and sons think about this. Use the hype to bring in some reality and substantive conversation.

Who knows, maybe you’ll inspire a Women’s History Barbie.

Resources

Information and lesson plans about International Women’s Day from the U.N.: www.un.org/cyberschoolbus/womensday/index.asp

General information: www.internationalwomensday.com

Information and resources regarding Women’s History Month: www.infoplease.com/spot/womenshistory1.html

Great site for young people: www.timeforkids.com/TFK/specials/articles/0,6709,101044,00.html

Information on programming on the History Channel this month focused on Women’s History: www.history.com/minisites/womenhist