Rants and Ramblings: random commentary about culture, media, politics, technology and whatnot.

splitsville

After some 43 years together, Mattel announced today that Ken and Barbie have “decided to spend some time apart.” (CNN: “It’s Splitsville for Barbie and Ken” - 02/12/04) The former couple will “always remain the best of friends.”

Barbie’s headed off to California for a surfer-girl makeover as Mattel tries out this “exciting” new storyline. According to CNN, she’s already caught the attention of Australian boogie boarder Blaine. Ken, meanwhile, will be spending Valentine’s Day alone.

I guess it’s fitting that a manufactured product of the culture industry is “broken up” by its creators just before a manufactured commercial holiday. But that doesn’t go far enough to explain why the whole thing offends me, regardless of how inconsequential it is.

(CNN story pointed out by Stephen on the CCT listserv.)