Barbie, Truck Driver?
Global toy maker Mattel is in the news again, particularly among the trucking community. Know why?
TransForce, a driver recruitment company in the United States, has launched a new campaign. Rather, petitioning Mattel to create and sell a “Truck Driver Barbie.’
Why? To teach young girls about career opportunities in the trucking industry. Wow!
Here’s the petition:
Throughout the years, Barbie has explored many careers and showcased to young girls that they can be anything they set their minds to.
From flying high as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force, to navigating outer space as an astronaut, and speeding around tracks as a race car driver — Barbie has done it all. In fact, Barbie has held over 200 professions over the decades. Proving there is no dream too big or too small.
But there’s one horizon she’s yet to explore, one that’s essential to keeping our world connected and economy moving: Truck Driving.
Today, women make up just 14% of the trucking industry workforce. To say that their contributions are vital would be an understatement.
We want to recognize these women and show young girls that the Transportation Industry has a seat for them, too, whether behind the wheel of a box truck, a big rig, or behind a desk that reads CEO.
We ask for your support in making Barbie one of America’s most essential workers: A Truck Driver.
“Whether behind the wheel of a box truck, a big rig, or seated behind a desk as a CEO, the possibilities in the trucking industry are endless. We want Barbie to represent one of America’s most essential workers — a Truck Driver,” appeals Kelly McGurk of Transforce.
The pertinent question is whether Mattel will oblige. Keeping my fingers crossed.
Has the grand success of the live-action movie Barbie, released in July 2023, which grossed over one billion U.S. dollars and pitted against Oppenheimer (another box office hit), got anything to do with this Barbie Truck Driver campaign? No idea.
Who can deny the global shortage of truck drivers? If girls can join the ranks, this perhaps may address the looming challenge to a limited extent.
