Clodagh Finn: Is Barbie now a feminist icon?

Mattel has launched a doll celebrating the life of renowned primatologist Dr Jane Goodall — it's a positive step, so let's not put Barbie back in her box

Wed, 27 Jul, 2022 - 12:25

Clodagh Finn

Clodagh Finn is a journalist, writer and collector of stories. Her recent book, The Irish in the Resistance, co-authored with John Morgan, shines a light on the forgotten contributions of the Irish who resisted Hitler during WW2.

OURS was a Sindy household and I have never owned a Barbie, but if ever there was a time when I felt compelled to buy one, it is now.

The world-famous Mattel brand has just launched a Dr Jane Goodall doll celebrating the life and work of the renowned primatologist. It comes with excellent accessories: A set of binoculars, a tent, and a model of David Greybeard, the first chimpanzee to trust the scientist at Gombe National Park in Tanzania.