Episcopal Priest Barbie

It had to happen - Barbie ordained...

In the news these days it is referred to studies showing that Christianity is now the fastest growing religion, growing faster the the growth of human population, so why not Barbie? The doll apparently started out as a joke - a gift to a friend, but has at this moment gained over 3800 fans on Facebook, and a fair share of negative publicity on Christian blogs. I'm pretty sure Ken will join the new path soon. So, what does this mean? Just another piece of commercial-paraphernalia, or does this one have a meaning? - that is to early to say, as the doll will gain meanings and uses (visual use) as her popularity grows. Her creator gives these thoughts:

What does Episcopal Priest Barbie Mean? What do YOU think she means? Post your comments! I've been intrigued by eople's reaction to her. Speaking for myself, Barbie is a very powerful symbol and has many different meanings for women from the tyranny of the perfect body image (because of her looks) to girl empowerment (through her many different careers). I thought she might make a good vehicle for [1] empowering girls and women in ministry [2] glorifying God as a work of liturgical art and [3] highlighting God's great sense of humor!

Barbie has also entered other faiths, or at least Judaism and Islam, where a similar use of the doll has been known for a few years. The Jewish doll is known as Tefillin Barbie. She comes with a full educational plan for use by schools. 

Her role is to promote gender equality. The doll is actually crated by a female ritual expert; as such one may perhaps suggest the Tefillin Barbie is an extension of her creator.

In this context, then, the juxtaposition of super-feminine Barbie and the traditionally masculine deep black leather straps of tefillin may be startling, but what it signifies is open to interpretation. Certainly, women's feelings and preferences regarding ritual garb are at once very personal and also reflective of communal norms. The relationship between women and rituals such as tallit and tefillin requires continued consideration and conversation, and whether you see tefillin Barbie as an empowering figure or a satirical one, she is undoubtedly a provocative starting point for communal discussion. 

The Islamic Barbie, or Fulla, was as far as I know the first religious Barbie to be launched back in 2003. Her role is different from the other two dolls in that she is not entering an position in the clergy, but stands as a role model for modern modest Muslim women. There is also an Italian made Burka Barbie. Barbie dolls clad in traditional Indian dresses can be found on a simple Google search, but I cannot see that it is directly connected with the Hindu faith. Do you know of others?