Does a Bald Barbie Increase Awareness for Childhood Cancer?

As a woman diagnosed with, and surviving breast cancer, I am frequently struck by my ambivalent feelings toward most "Awareness" campaigns.

Breast cancer is a deeply personal experience for those who are diagnosed with it. Beyond the very real fears that come with a cancer diagnosis, breast cancer in particular strikes at our identity as women (a quick note, that some men are also diagnosed with breast cancer - I don't mean to leave you out, but this article is targeted to the female, Barbie awareness campaign). We associate our breasts with our role as nurturer, and when that is a target, our very identity, especially when we feel needy ourselves, is attacked. You would think I would love to see pink ribbons everywhere in support of Breast Cancer Awareness, but the symbol has left me feeling used to promote someone else's agenda.

But the Beautiful and Bald Barbie campaign is to raise awareness for Childhood cancers. That's a good thing. I support that awareness. But what is the message?

Originally, the pink ribbon was meant to be a reminder for women to do self-exams, and to get regular mammograms. Ultimately, it is a symbol for fund raising for a cure... and if you look at how the funds are used, that could be thrown into question.

But is there a 'call to action' with the Beautiful and Bald Barbie? Can children do exams? Do parents see it in the store and think, I should have my children screened for some sort of childhood cancer? Not likely.

So, to think the campaign is an awareness and prevention campaign might be a little off target. Not that something like that shouldn't be promoted. Parents should be aware of symptoms and when to call the doctor. A program like that would have to be promoted in some other way.

I think the reality, is that this is a campaign for children with cancer to have a doll that they can relate to. Having a friend go through cancer with you is a wonderful idea for a child, if it is done right. Again, I am not sure Barbie, although she is popular, is the best choice for this. The emphasis on her long, sexy body, and make-up seem to send the wrong message. Like we are hoping to make bald sexy. Shouldn't a child be allowed to be a child? Do we have to push the message that the goal is to be tall, thin, and sexy regardless of hair? That when your skin feels gray, and you feel sick, that you should put on make-up to look good for everyone else? If the purpose of this is to develop acceptance for who we are, and what we're going through, clearly there could be a better choice.

Additionally, I find the emphasis on hair disturbing. By calling attention to it, in hopes of developing awareness (or is it acceptance?) it seems to make light of all the other challenges of cancer. Losing hair is hard. Are they going to supply Barbie with wig options? But, kidding aside, losing hair is small compared with the side effects of treatment, the nausea, the fatigue, difficulty focusing in school. The emphasis on being bald seems to imply the greatest challenge to cancer is our concern over self-image. There are so many layers to the trauma of cancer, and so much that a child has to overcome to feel positive about their future, to hold onto their dreams... it is not about losing hair.

The children I have known with cancer were incredibly brave. They wanted to be held. Their ability to express their feelings and needs with such sensitivity and depth is a wonder to behold. I have never heard a child complain about losing their hair. I never heard them call out for their Barbie either. What brings them comfort is a favorite, old teddy bear, or blanket... something that brought them comfort in the past.

And since this toy would be marketed to children who are already diagnosed with cancer (at that point they are all TOO aware of childhood cancer), and they derive the most comfort from toys from their past - it makes sense to give children something that will help them feel strong and healthy. How about a puppy that will love them unconditionally, and will get them out running around in the fresh air, building up their immune system? Or, a new bike. You get the idea.

Why give them a toy that focuses on their hair loss, when we can give them gifts that bring them joy and motivate them to reach their full potential. Let them prove to themselves (and everyone) that they are strong - that they can fight cancer and win.

I am reaching here. I really do want to like the idea of a Beautiful and Bald Barbie. I just think don't think it would be as inspiring to the young girls dealing with cancer as it is to the women buying the dolls for them.

Well intentioned? Yes. But what children really want, especially when they are not well, is love, nurturing, affection, acceptance, and opportunities to survive and thrive.