She’s blonde with a penchant for pink and an impossibly tiny waist. But did you know she also reads binary code? For her latest career change, Barbie goes geek-chic as possibly the world’s most plastic computer engineer.

Unveiled by Mattel in February at the American International Toy Fair, Computer Engineer Barbie is the newest version of the blonde bombshell. Marking her 125th career, America’s favorite doll enters the high tech industry equipped with a Bluetooth headset, laptop, and smart phone. But don’t mistake her for your typical programming nerd. This Barbie defies the stereotype with sparkly, black leggings and cat-eye glasses in her trademark hot pink.

“All the girls who imagine their futures through Barbie will learn that engineers ― like girls ― are free to explore infinite possibilities, limited only by their imagination,” says Nora Lin, president of the Society of Women Engineers, whose organization collaborated with Mattel designers and the National Academy of Engineering to ensure Computer Engineer Barbie’s authenticity. “As a computer engineer, Barbie will show girls that women can turn their ideas into realities that have a direct and positive impact on people’s everyday lives in this exciting and rewarding career.”

Barbie’s foray into the digital world is truly extraordinary, given the profession’s reputation as a male-dominated field. According to a 2008 survey by the National Science Foundation, only 25% of computer-related jobs are held by women, while a mere 10% of the nation’s engineers are female.

But this gender disparity is not simply caused by the fact that fewer women join the tech ranks. Rather, more women than men are quitting the industry despite prospering in the middle of their careers. As noted by a recent Harvard Business Review report, 52% of highly qualified women working in science, engineering, and technology leave their companies, attributing their departures to a dearth of mentors and intense isolation at work. Thus Computer Engineer Barbie may be just the inspiration young girls need to finally break this particular glass ceiling.

Not everyone is encouraged by the prospect of a busty, blonde coder. Critics scoff at her unrealistic portrayal, either citing the lack of girly engineers in the real workplace or bemoaning the oversexualization of another Barbie doll.

Yet perhaps for once, Barbie’s sexuality adds rather than detracts from her message. After all, the first computer programmer was a woman, Ada Lovelace, who transformed mathematics and computing almost a century ago in Victorian England.

Computer Engineer Barbie reconciles the conflict that so many women and girls struggle with today ― the unspoken rule that you can’t be sexy or fashionable if you’re into “nerdy” subjects like math, science or technology. But the truth is that smart is sexy, that confidence is always in fashion, and that pursuing your interests and dreams is the only reality that matters. So ladies, let’s not get one-upped by a plastic doll when it comes to forging our futures. If Barbie can shut out the naysayers, we can too.

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Sex sells. In recent weeks, Apple started banning approximately 5,000 applications for its iPhone, especially those featuring sexually indicative material. Pictures of women in bikinis, lingerie and applications that can make a cartoon woman’s boobs bigger with the touch of the screen are now no longer available.

But many application developers are confused about Apple’s screening process because apps from such conglomerates as Sports Illustrated and Playboy are still very much available for purchase. Other apps, such as “SlideHer,” a puzzle that allows iPhone owners to reassemble a photo of a scantily-clad actress, and “Sexy Scratch Off,” where you can whisk away a woman’s dress at the push of a finger, have been purged away. In a response to customer complaints, Apple started turning off the button on certain applications they deemed “inappropriate,” as reported by the The New York Times.

But how do you define what’s “inappropriate?” On its Web site, Chillfresh said that an Apple representative told the developer the new policy will not tolerate applications that include the following; “images of women in bikinis, images of men in bikinis, images of skin, silhouettes indicating that the app includes sexual images, sexual connotations or innuendo, and sexually arousing content.” It was stated that no applications will be approved if they imply sexual content.

It’s understandable that Apple wants to achieve a squeaky-clean image in order to generate the best revenue, especially now that the iPad is getting ready to be released. The iPad will be the pinnacle for new apps to breed, and it makes sense that Apple will police what goes into its store. What I don’t understand is why Playboy and Sports Illustrated swimsuit applications can still be readily available to download. In an interview with the The New York Times, Philip W. Schiller, head of worldwide product marketing at Apple, said, “The difference is this is a well-known company with previously published material available broadly in a well-accepted format.”

Apple’s motives are questionable. Are they doing this to protect the kids and stopping the objectification of women? It may seem so on the surface, but in reality, it’s all about the money. Such moguls as Playboy and Sports Illustrated generate large surpluses for Apple.

Apple’s efforts are feeble, especially since they are allowing big corporations to sell apps for a profit gain. Their message would have been stronger if an overall consensus was made. I just did a quick search on my friend’s iPhone for Sports Illustrated and the first thing that popped up is a cover of a supermodel in a barely-there bikini.

It may surprise you, but sex isn’t going away anytime soon. Educating children about the appropriate ways to view women, men, and their sexual relations will open up a means of communication for taboo material between adults and kids. Women will continue to be objectified if we don’t take our part in educating the next generation on healthy male-to-female relationships.

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Growing up, I loved ‘N Sync (sorry Backstreet Boys’ fans). My favorite was Justin Timberlake with his blonde, Brillo-pad hair. My daydream involved him singing me a rendition of “Want You Back” and running away with him, but I secretly knew it probably wouldn’t happen. I see parallels today with Zac Efron, the Twilight gang, and the Jonas Brothers.

I viewed a video on YouTube recently, however, that shook my idea of supposedly innocent celeb crushes. In the video, a 3-year-old girl named Cody cries hysterically for nearly five minutes over her love for another Justin, 16-year-old pop star Justin Bieber. The video ends on a funny note when the phone rings, and she runs off, believing Justin is calling her. The video now has nearly three million views.

Could we take this video as a possible sign about how far our celebrity obsessions have gone since my boy band childhood?

According to an article in Psychology Today, we are hardwired to reach out to celebrities and actually connect with them as people. So, we sympathize with Carrie’s dating woes on Sex and the City, gossip about Tiger Woods’ extramarital affairs, and root for Team Jacob or Team Edward.

By now, I’m sure we’ve all heard about the negative effects the media can have on body image, especially for young girls. Images of frighteningly thin and airbrushed models distort ideas about what defines beauty. We hear about eating disorders and plastic surgery that are female tactics to achieve this “beauty.”

What about Cody and Justin Bieber though? He doesn’t seem to be harming her body image, but could he possibly affect how she handles relationships in the future?

Two British researchers, David C. Giles and John Maltby, have studied the effects of celebrity obsession in adolescents. They divide teenagers into two categories; one group who follows celebrities merely for entertainment and another group that builds intense feelings for celebs. These feelings can often be detrimental. From their study of 191 preteens and teens in the United Kingdom, Giles and Maltby estimate about 1 in every 10 adolescents falls into the second category. They connect these unhealthy obsessions with relationships, especially romantic ones. If a character a teen is fixated upon looks like Jake Gyllenhaal or Megan Fox, the teen may search for a partner who resembles them. But, the effects can be far more dangerous. If a fantasy character has an abusive streak, an adolescent may take this as normal behavior in a relationship and even seek it out.

While I don’t think we need to rid ourselves of the Justin Biebers or Edward Cullens of the world, I do believe in the importance of guiding teens into developing healthy relationships with others. We should not just focus on celebrity couples but focus on everyday couples who have nurturing, strong connections with one another. Real-life love is way better than the made-up stuff.

Ashley Thill, Backstreet Boys, Jake Gyllenhaal, Jonas Brothers, Justin Bieber, Megan Fox, sex and the city, Tiger Woods, twilight, YouTube, zac efron, ‘N Sync Hide

I’ve always been mystified by tattoos. The permanence, the colors, the designs, the needles, and especially the back-stories have captured my attention for years. It’s the willingness of people to make a permanent impact on their own bodies for such amazing and powerful causes that really moves me. It’s a process that has changed my views on beauty, expression, self-discovery and healing. Tattoos, although often considered taboo, have the potential to bring peace and happiness in ways no other act can. To me, that’s pretty cool.

Now on the opposite side of the spectrum, I’ve had friends who have gone out and inked themselves up simply to celebrate being young and rebellious. Forgive me if I offend, but so many of my friends tattooed themselves (last names on backs for the guys and random stars on feet for girls) that I almost lost it. Is there a point to randomly branding yourself with a collection of meaningless stars or your own name? Regardless of personal preference and what is considered “cool,” I want to highlight some truly amazing works of art I’ve come across recently.

For starters, I met a mom the other day who tattooed a tree on her back. It was her 50th birthday gift to herself representing 20 years of sobriety and growth. The woman had fought through alcoholism, a nasty divorce and raised three boys on her own. She said the tree was a constant reminder of her ability to keep growing. Poetic right?

Another girl uses her body as a sort of list of her accomplishments. Each time she overcomes a struggle or achieves an important goal, she gets a tattoo. Some of her tattoos represent participating in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure walk, graduating college and starting her own business. Now this process of achieving and inking isn’t exactly my style, but for her, it’s a perfect fit.

Finally I’ve met several girls in my time who get tattoos for more therapeutic reasons. The list could go on and on for those who have remembered deceased loved ones with tattoos and I’ll admit it’s something I’ve even considered myself. My friend Sara whose mother died from cancer (similar to mine) has the most beautiful tattoo of purple angel wings on her right thigh. When I asked her about them, she looked at me with a cheesy smile and said, “Purple was her favorite color, and now she’s always at my side.”

Whatever the reason people choose to get tattoos (as long as there is a reason), I think the potential exists for them to be an incredibly healing and nurturing experience. The absolute permanent marking of a symbol or message onto a person’s body can only mean that the choice to do so is an incredible story. Maybe the next time you encounter someone with some interesting tattoos, ask the obvious question. Why? The answers could really leave quite an impression.

Ashley Sepanski, ink, Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure walk, Tatto Hide

March is officially here, and that means it’s Women’s History Month. (Although I have also seen it referred to as Gender Equality Month, we’re going to keep it for the ladies!) In July 1848, a social visit brought together Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Martha C. Wright, Mary Ann McClintock and Jane Hunt to Seneca Falls, New York. This communal meeting later known as the first Women’s Rights Convention is generally considered the beginning of the Women’s Rights Movement in the United States. Every year in March, Women’s History Month is honored with activities and celebrations that continue to educate and inspire men and women, young and old.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the National Women’s History Project (NWHP), a very successful organization committed to honoring and preserving women in history. Founded in Santa Rosa, California in 1980, each year the NWHP coordinates a venture to systematically reinforce the strength of women everywhere. This year’s theme revolves around “Writing Women Back into History.” The hope is that finally women who really matter and make a difference will be showcased in the history books.

The NWHP hopes to increase female participation in history-making endeavors while at the same time celebrating the women who paved the roads ahead. Already in full force this month, the Smithsonian in Washington set up galleries and tours promoting women’s efforts. Family-friendly activities including scavenger hunts as well as arts and crafts are available at the museum throughout the month. On March 14, Baton Rouge is holding the 12th Annual Women’s Poetry Reading at the Baton Rouge Gallery. A broad scope of Louisiana performers will participate, from published poets to first-time readers. First Lady of California, Maria Shriver, took part in the Women’s Committee at Long Beach, which under Shriver’s guidance has become arguably one of the largest and most influential gathering of female innovators, writers, designers and opinion leaders in the world.

Making me even more proud to be a woman this month, especially one of color, is the fact that March 8 specifically signified International Women’s Day. Each year, thousands of globally rich and diverse local activities ranging from political rallies, business meetings, government and social networking events to women’s craft markets, theatrical performances, fashion shows and more are held across the globe to inspire women and celebrate their achievements. Google even joined in by changing its logo for the special holiday!

These are the types of phenomenon that are newsworthy. We don’t need to know that Lindsey likes her prescription pills or that time Britney shaved her head. Make room for the real catalysts of yesteryear.

The women of Seneca Falls would be very proud, but the battle’s only half won. It’s no longer about promoting HIStory or HERstory, it’s about recognizing that it’s OUR story.

Danielle Francis, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Gender Equality Month, Jane Hunt, Lucretia Mott, Maria Shriver, Martha C. Wright, Mary Ann McClintock, National Women's History Project, Seneca Falls, women's history, women's history month Hide

“Denial.” That was the first response Kayla Stott felt when she found out she was pregnant at 16 years old. While most teens were concerned about studying for exams, preparing to get a driver’s license, and discussing the latest gossip, Stott was buying diapers and commencing her biggest life change to date. Nine months later, on the eve before giving birth in March 2008, she sat gazing down at her enlarged belly and imagined how a baby would transform her life. Now, nearing her son’s second birthday, Stott is a “strong believer that everything happens for a reason” and has drawn incredible strength and positivity from his birth.

Not only has Stott been able to have her son, Lucas, and graduate from high school on-time with her classmates, but she has also faced tremendous adversity and judgment. “I may be a young mom, but I’m a good mom,” she states. “Age does not always determine maturity.” Stott is actively pursuing her return to college this year to continue her education and reach her personal ambitions.

A strong advocate against unprotected sex, Stott encourages teens to consider the responsibility that comes with the action. Yet, for those young mothers out there that feel alone, she offers words of advice.

“It takes a lot of strength to be a mom and you need to feel confident in what you are doing,” Stott explains. “It’s a journey that has many ups and downs, and it is a road that the majority of young girls don’t have to take. Yet there are many of us out there and I know from all the teen mothers I’ve met that we are willing to stand by each other and help out in any way, shape or form.” Stott believes that a strong family support system is important, but there are networks of “mom-and-tot” groups that can be equally supportive and informative.

The best part of being a mother for Stott has been the unconditional love Lucas has taught her. “It is so rewarding to see him learn the things I am teaching him and to watch him grow and change into an amazing little man!” He has provided Stott with a more positive outlook on life than she could have anticipated. She lives by the motto: “If you get a chance ― take it. If it changes your life ― let it. Nobody said life would be easy, they just promised it would be worth it.”

As Stott approaches her twentieth birthday, I salute her for raising a beautiful son and continuing to persevere through trial and tribulation. It’s time to abolish the stereotypes of teen mothers and support a healthy upbringing for our next generation, rather than condemning life choices. We all have weaknesses and make mistakes, but what could be deemed a mistake by some can prove to be the miracle that provides confidence to overcome whatever life throws at us.

Genevieve Castonguay, Kayla Stott, mom-and-tot groups, pregnancy, teenage motherhood Hide

Live your passion. Chase your dreams. Follow your heart.

These are things that have often been expressed during the 21^st Century before the recession hit. Now the common expressions range from musings about saving money, making better investments with time and gaining solid work experience. Chasing dreams and passions seemed a lot easier before unemployment and a low economy became household conversations.

The steady decline of the economy has lead to droves of people being laid off and out of work causing dramatic increases in the unemployment rate. Google Public Data recently reported unemployment grew from 9.7 % to 10.6 % only in the last few months ― the highest it’s been in the past two decades. Even though skyrocketing unemployment rates have been a devastating blow for the United States, the amount of resilience found in those down-and-out is surprising, especially when it comes to women.

The New York Times stated in a recent article that the recession has been great for women as 78 % of the people who lost their jobs in the recession are men. Women have stepped up to the plate, headed into the work force and are approaching things with a new outlook.

While in the career flux, women are working hard to gain vital work experience and keep their heads above water. They are helping provide for their families, changing the face of industry and still finding time to give back to the community. There also has been an increase in volunteerism over the past two years as people are donating their expertise for philanthropic causes.

Focus in the work force has gone from an obsession with being the biggest in the business to a realization of becoming the best you can be in your respective field. This is an idea that Anslee Connell, a clothing designer and freelance photographer based out of Austin, has taken on in pursuit of her various careers.

As a freelancer and designer, Connell says she’s learning how to run a business. “There’s so much involved which I am still learning about,” says Connell. “I’ve been reading a lot of books, taking some informal classes, and using my friends and random strangers for references.”

But Connell doesn’t stop there. “I’ve also learned how to ride a bike, partially to one day save gas money,” she explains. “I’m giving another shot at learning Spanish through the trusty Rosetta Stone to see if that will help me land a higher-paying job.”

Connell is also trying a multitude of different things including singing in a blues/jazz band and tackling stand-up comedy. Her optimistic and inspiring attitude is reminding others that it can’t hurt to try.

Between clipping coupons and taking on a few more projects than normal, the recession is teaching women to be better stewards of time and money. It’s encouraging that even in this time of cutting back, cutting back dreams and passions doesn’t necessarily have to be part of the picture.

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One basket at a time, Rwandan women are weaving their brutalized country back together. As citizens of one of the most devastated countries in the world, these women refuse to let the anger and bitterness from their land’s history affect its future. Rather, through self-sufficiency, hope and basket-weaving, they are leading their nation’s rebirth.

Between April and July of 1994, a swift and incomprehensible genocide swept through Rwanda over the course of 100 days. An estimated 800,000 Tutsi Rwandans and sympathizers were systematically slaughtered by their Hutu neighbors and militia with support from government and political leaders. While men were massacred, women and children were raped and mutilated. The terror left a population of only 30 % men and nearly 70 % women.

Coping with one of the gravest human atrocities in modern history is a considerable feat for any nation, let alone one with as tumultuous a past as Rwanda. But the country’s recovery has been remarkable and is now viewed as a model for other developing countries. In fact, a CNN foreign affairs analyst has even dubbed Rwanda as Africa’s “biggest success story.” And the country can thank its women for its present stability, economic growth, and rising education levels.

“I [saw] an opportunity to empower the women of Rwanda,” said Willa Shalit, reflecting on a 2003 trip where she first discovered the Rwandan women’s unique talent. By partnering with Macy’s and Gahaya Links, Shalit’s company Fairwinds Trading markets exquisitely handwoven baskets to American consumers for the Rwanda Path to Peace project. Proceeds are given to the artisan women who then invest their new-found income in their families.

“What I earn helps me take myself out of poverty,” attests weaver Justine in an interview with CBS. “Today I can buy a dress, I can feed my children.”

Moreover, these baskets benefit the nation as a whole as the project’s impact extends beyond individual family units. Through income made by weavers, entire villages can afford clean water and mosquito netting to combat deadly diseases. HIV-positive weavers can also better meet their medical needs with more access to healthcare and medication.

But the greatest impact is perhaps the least tangible. Another weaver, Dorcille Uwimana, reflects on the influence she and her fellow weavers have had on their homeland. “We have taught the country to move beyond hatred. We realized we cannot always be angry at each other. We have to weave. We have to make our lives better.”

For a country that has been torn asunder by inhumane man-on-man violence, reconciliation has been accomplished through women. And it is women who are the breadwinners, the catalysts, and the leaders.

The Rwandan widow-weavers prove what has been an increasing realization – that channeling aid to women and girls is the best way to combat global poverty and extremism. As New York Times reporters Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn write, “women and girls aren’t the problem; they’re the solution.”

Baskets are available for purchase from Macys.com.

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This past week I had the chance to speak with Anjelica and Ariel of the budding nonprofit, One is Greater Than None. These two girls, along with six others, started a organization at age 14 to raise money to save trafficked children in Ghana, Africa. After discovering it would require approximately $4,300 to save just one child, the enterprising young ladies decided to craft bracelets attached to cards that would educate people about the troubles in the African nation. There also were T-shirts, emblazoned with their logo, “1>0,” complete with the tag line “Be Part of the Equation.” Since their humble beginnings in 2007, the girls have raised over $100,000 and helped 48 children.

The girls, now 16, are moving on to help people in rural parts of the U.S. with Remote Area Medical (RAM), an organization supplying free medical care to rural areas. The mission is to motivate people by showing that even the smallest amount can help change the world.

Before seeing the Oprah episode “The Boy Oprah Couldn’t Forget,” what made you girls want to start a charity?

Ariel: Well, we all come from fairly comfortable backgrounds and families that involved us in charitable things since we were young.

Anjelica: We wanted to do something fun with our friends.

Who are some of the people the One is Greater Than None girls look up to?

Ariel: Oprah! Ah, Pam Cope who started Touch a Life. She helps orphanages around the world. She’s like a saint ― honestly the most amazing person! Eric Peasah from the International Organization for Migration. Oh, and Taylor Swift!

Anjelica: Yes!

Unison: TAYLOR SWIFT!

Ariel: We are in love with Taylor Swift! She knows who she is and she’s just a great role model.

Anjelica: We blast her music in the car when we’re all headed somewhere together and sing along!

 

 

The simplicity of this organization and the amount of impact it has is inspiring. Is there a lot of planning? What is a typical week for the girls like?

Ariel: Every Sunday there’s a meeting with all eight girls and sometimes the moms. Everyone is in charge of a certain something. We get help from parents on things we can’t do because of our age.

Anjelica: We usually do one charity a week. It’s great having eight girls because two girls can go here and two girls go there.

So much has happened with One is Greater Than None in the last two years. Are you overwhelmed with the amount people have given?

Ariel: I’m in shock that this is even happening, that we’ve been able to do so much in such a short time. People give so much!

How do you balance school, running a life-saving nonprofit and a personal life?

Ariel: Time management! It’s sort of like: Alright, Sundays ― make 20 bracelets; Saturday ― do all my homework in the morning then go hang out with friends.

Anjelica: I’ve learned how to manage time from being in the charity.

Ariel: Yeah, there’s not as much room for procrastination.

You ladies have accomplished so much at such a young age. In the midst of everything do you feel put together?

Ariel: I’m confident but am still learning who I am. As far as school and social life, I’m still learning how to feel put together.

Anjelica: This charity has helped shape who I am today. I’m a more mature person, more put together than if I hadn’t done this.

Your mission statement says that “any contribution, no matter how small, has value.” How can people be part of the equation daily, weekly, monthly or yearly?

Ariel: As far as helping the charity, you can donate, buy jewelry and spread the word. Organize something at school for us. We LOVE speaking at middle schools and high schools because students are so impacted by our message! For the world, any random acts of kindness. Just try to make the world a better place. There are so many different ways to help and get involved.

Anjelica: Definitely volunteer your time.

To donate to One is Greater Than None, purchase jewelry or clothing please visit Oneisgreaterthannonoe.org.

And remember, “Any contribution, no matter how small, has value.”

ghana, International Organization for Migration, Kimberly Bozeman, One is Greater Than None, Oprah, Remote Area Medical, taylor swift, Touch a Life Hide

As a number of governments, including Britain and France, have approached passing censorship laws on advertisements, a number of critical discussions have come to light in the courtroom. Some parliamentarians have speculated that censorship is this or that while others fully support the policies. The biggest arguments have been over the literal versus the emotional. The debate between advertising as a business expense and advertising as art is a huge battle being played on the ethical playground.

In the wake of the current technological revolution, advertisers have been caught in a creative vice. Though the use of traditional media like television, radio and print play a vital part in any advertising campaign, marketers are finding target markets harder to reach. Glitz and glam no longer catch the attention of specific demographics as most are over media-saturated. In efforts to wade through the online noise and social media clamor, advertisers have taken to guerilla tactics in order to captivate their audience. Innovative collaborations include:

• Numerous bikes spray-painted neon orange were left all over New York City to promote DKNY.com. The bikes were located in front of coffee shops and chained to street poles at major intersections with the Web site painted on the side.

• Piles of mock gold bullions complete with the phrase “If you have me, I was stolen” were planted throughout the streets of London promoting artist Paul Insect’s latest exhibit.

• Aqua Teen Hunger Force created Lite-Brite type advertisements all over Boston to promote the Adult Swim Network show. The ads caused several large traffic shutdowns when they were mistaken for bomb threats.

Although it is exciting to see artistic creativity displayed through marketing there can be a serious danger in associating advertising with art.

With certain marketing tactics advertising can take a manipulative turn for the worst as marketers work to draw an audience to have an emotional connection with the product, idea or person. This was wildly popular throughout the mid-90s thanks to brands like Saturn and Coca-Cola and has now become standard practice in promotional planning. Advertisers have consistently found that if an audience has an emotional connection with a product, a loyal customer can be forged. Ethical lines begin to blur as speculation asks if this particular advertising strategy has an association with brainwashing.

The important thing to keep in mind is that although advertising is vital to advance in business and commerce, a solid system of checks and balances should be formed. Advertising needs a clean frame to work inside of and until a better solution is created the censorship debate will rage on.

Aqua Teen Hunger Force, Coca-Cola, DKNY, guerilla advertising, Kimberly Bozeman, Lite-Brite, Paul Insect, Saturn Hide