Amazon reviews trash Barbie computer engineering book
A slew of critics has taken to the retail site to call the book, which depicts Barbie as needing the help of men to deal with computer issues, sexist. (Updated)
Considering all the pieces of Barbie content that exist in the world targeted to young ladies, it’s a wonder that more don’t fail as miserably as the book, “I Can Be a Computer Engineer.”
The lessons the book tries to convey is that anyone can work in the male-dominated technology field. What it succeeds in teaching us is that projects can fly off the rails and miserably fail even with the best intentions.
The book was featured in a Pamie.com post and picked up traction on Reddit for its horrible message: That Barbie is terrible with a computer, needs men to come fix her problems, and has no idea what a computer engineer does. Since then, reviewers have been trashing the book on Amazon.
The story starts with Barbie designing a computer game “that shows kids how computers work,” she tells Skipper. “You can make a robot puppy do cute tricks by matching up colored blocks!”
Not exactly what a computer engineer does, but go on.
“Your robot puppy is so sweet,” says Skipper. “Can I play your game?”
“I’m only creating the design ideas,” Barbie says, laughing. “I’ll need Steven and Brian’s help to turn it into a real game!”
Become a Ragan Insider member to read this article and all other archived content.
Sign up today
Already a member? Log in here.
Learn more about Ragan Insider.
