“A clever marketing ploy, or a sexist campaign stereotyping women?

That is the fierce debate on social media about Mattel’s introduction of its latest limited-edition Barbie doll and an accompanying promotional cover wrap of this year’s Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue.

Mattel, long criticized for Barbie’s humanly impossible figure, is using the #unapologetic hashtag on Twitter and other channels to promote the effort.

The annual swimsuit issue is a blockbuster publishing event featuring supermodels in skimpy bathing suits selling sun, surf and sex. Yet the toy company has couched its campaign in the rhetoric of women’s empowerment.

Women’s rights advocates are incensed by the use of a doll for girls on the swimsuit issue, which they see as objectifying women.”* The Young Turks hosts Cenk Uygur and Ana Kasparian break it down.

*Read more here from Lisa De Bode / Al Jazeera America:
http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2014/2/12/barbie-models-sportsillustratedswimsuitissuebikini.html

**********

The Largest Online News Show in the World. Hosted by Cenk Uygur and Ana Kasparian. LIVE STREAMING weekdays 6-8pm ET.

Young Turk (n), 1. Young progressive or insurgent member of an institution, movement, or political party. 2. Young person who rebels against authority or societal expectations. (American Heritage Dictionary)

Download audio and video of the full two hour show on-demand + the members-only post game show by becoming a member at http://tytnetwork.com/tytmembership. Your membership supports the day to day operations and is vital for our continued success and growth.

Support The Young Turks by Subscribing http://www.youtube.com/user/theyoungturks?sub_confirmation=1