WV lawmaker introduces Barbie Ban bill
March 3, 2009 ·
Delegate Jeff Eldridge of Lincoln County wants to ban the sale of Barbie dolls, because Barbies influence girls to place undue importance on physical beauty to the detriment of their intellectual or emotional development.
Eldridge is a teacher and coach, and he says Barbie encourages girls to focus on looks, not books.
“I’m tired of the thought that if you’re beautiful, you don’t have to be smart. I think it sends the wrong message to our kids.”
Eldridge said he realizes the bill will never make it out of the House Judiciary Committee, but after numerous interviews with reporters, he hopes his message will be heard.
“I think it sends a message, not only to our kids but to our parents. Let’s study hard and be smart, and be beautiful from the inside as well as the outside,” he said.