As you may know, both Stageleft and I have personal and professional connections to the Arctic. So when Mattel announced the impending release of their “Inuit Heritage Barbie“, we were, of course, agog with anticipation. It is my sad duty to report, however, that “Inuit Heritage Barbie” fails to serve as the cultural breakthrough we had both hoped for. There’s a certain - I don’t know - authenticity lacking.

Perhaps Mattel should actually have asked some Inuit, who no doubt would have pointed out that:

- Most Inuit aren’t blonde
- Inuit don’t use teepees
- Floor length skirts are not generally part of Inuit attire
- Neither are tight fitting, off the shoulder satin blouses or white pumps

I must confess we had suspicions about Barbie from the moment her release was announced. The consonant “B” does not exist in Inuktitut, rendering the name “Barbie” virtually unpronounceable.

Still, at the low, low price of only $70.00 (with optional choker and fur armbands), Inuit Heritage Barbie deserves a spot in any kitsch collector’s cabinet, right between the tin of Red Man tobacco and the little black kid with the fishing pole.