Little girls, and big ones, can be very cruel, especially to those who do not fit the skinny role models of Britney, Barbie and Bardot.

Barbie has always taken some cultural grief; she's not feminist enough in some periods, she's too thin to some people today, even her hair is wrong to some. ... Haines’ medical advice to Barbie?

“I have always thought Barbie was a good role model. I think the alterations will change some people’s views on her, but look at G.I. Joe, no one complains that he is too muscular.

Barbie's body may be perfect, but critics remind us it's plastic By Angela Cain ; Knight-Ridder ... "The visual media plays a big role in how women see their bodies. When you look at the cover of

The littlest harlot ; Tracy Quan explains why Barbie is a role model for hookers ... You can't keep a good pro down, and the success of Lord's "Forever Barbie" has turned Barbie's hidden past into

Your son's male role model may be one of the people who give you that time by yourself. 4. Look at life from the male's point ... Do Country Superstars Make Good Role Models? ... Twilight Barbie Dolls:

a. Barbie is a good role model because she teaches girls that they can dream big.

1. Do you think senior citizens should be re-tested for their driver's license? ... 2. Should the deer limit be raised for hunters? ... 4. Are you in favor of capital punishment?

Barbie celebrates her 50th anniversary this year. She may be hugely popular across the world but is she a good role model for young girls? 6 Minute English 18 February 2009 ... Official Barbie page

A spokeswoman for Mattel said that like Barbie, Merkel embodied the dreams of many girls who want to get on in the world. "She's simply a good role model for girls around the world," she said.