Last week I talked about my upcoming appearance at the Bath Festival, and now I am back and ready to tell all…
The Barbie crew: Neema, Marisa, Moira
The event was called ‘Barbie: Dumb Blonde or Diehard Feminist?’ and I was there to defend Barbie, with my long-time contention that she IS a feminist icon. Writer Neema Shah (whose novel Kololo Hill will be published in 2021) argued the other side, and journalist Marisa Bate was the chair.
In fact we weren’t too polemical, and the debate was very good-humoured, although we did discuss – and sometimes disagree on – a very large number of points. The audience were a delight, everyone in a good mood for a Sunday afternoon in Bath. We took a large number of questions from the audience, and very much covered as many aspects as possible, ranging widely into feminism (which we all agreed on), bringing up children, research on the psychology of toys, body shape…
Marisa was a marvellous chair, keeping the discussion moving along, and introducing great new ideas & research & history from her magic notebook at regular intervals.
We all talked about all aspects of Barbies, but Neema also used her own background to tell us about marketing and branding, and how they might affect manufacturer Mattel's thinking and planning.
I had brought along a few Barbies who decorated the stage nicely: Trailer Trash Barbie (not a real Mattel (tm) Barbie, I feel obliged to point out) was a particular success.The whole event was an absolute joy to take part in, and I think left everyone there in a good mood.
And we were able to spend a weekend in Bath, one of the most beautiful of cities. Winners all round…
I’d like to thank Marisa and Neema for being my Barbie homegirls, Madeline Toye of the Bath Festival for bringing us all together for a fabulous event, and my entourage of wonderful friends, including my daughter, who happens to be called Barbara (coincidence? Who can say) who came along to support me. And to all the rest of the audience for being so interested and interesting.
It sounds like a wonderful time, Moira, and I'm sure your debate was excellent - wish I could've seen it. And, as you say, a nice chance for a weekend in Bath, too - the icing on the cake!
ReplyDeleteThanks Margot - it was truly a great weekend, and very memorable.
DeleteIt doesn't get much better than this! Thanks for the report. It's been asked before but do let us know if there's any whiff of a recording So wish I'd been there. Did you know that Oliver studied Engineering with French at Bath and both my engagement rings (same fiancee) were purchased at Mallory's on Bridge St.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I knew there were connections! Should I ask why 2 x engagement rings? If I hear of a recording I will certainly let you know.
DeleteWill G.I. Joe be on next year's agenda? I actually have no knowledge of G.I. Joe. In my youth he was too much a doll and not enough an action figure.
ReplyDeleteBill, I am intrigued by the different reactions to GI Joe (Action Man in the UK) - I asked various males about them, and half of them were wildly enthusiastic, and the other half said 'Never' or 'it was a DOLL' or 'too busy playing football to play with that.' I don't expect he had very good outfits - but they were probably more practical than Barbie's, which I know would please you!
DeleteThis sounds like fun and I would have loved to have been there.
ReplyDeleteI like Bill's question about G.I. Joe. Obviously those toys were a big thing too but I don't remember a lot about them.
I was such fun Tracy! I really enjoyed the whole weekend, and the festival was excellent. I don't think my brothers had Action Men (as they are called in UK)
DeleteGlad you had fun. I'll have to keep an eye for the lady in my reading!
ReplyDeleteNo memories of Action Man, Col? You didn't have one? Please pass on the details if you come across any Barbies!
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