sovereign state

Barbie phenomenon

Barbie phenomenon
Lonnie Carter, playwright Photo submitted

What to make of this, I am asked.  A phenomenon, I reply.  Kate MacKinnon, an hilarious Weird Barbie, offering Barbie/Robbie a high heel or a Birkenstock — my daughter having worn highs to her recent wedding, now exclaiming I love Birkenstocks!, before Robbie/Barbie goes off to the Real World, leaving the Perfect Barbie/Robbie World far behind.  Sort of.

Good stuff, I note.  Clearly, Greta Gerwig is a much more astute student of cinema history than I, so I only timidly note her deep affection and respect for the Busby Berkeley movies of the Thirties.  Some ten or so routines with twenty girls in twirls, round and round. Lovely to see the shout out.

But what to make of this?  Despite numerous attempts by Company Mattel to make the product BIPOC (Black Indigenous People of Color, for those who have not been keeping up), Robbie/Barbie is still who she has always been, and apparently will always be.  Blond and Gorgeous.

What is this old white coot to think?  We still want little girls to aspire to be BLONDE AND GORGEOUS?

What other conclusion can I come to?

Disabuse me if you can.

sovereign state
The views expressed here are not necessarily those of The Millerton News and The News does not support or oppose candidates for public office.

Latest News

Local massage therapist suggests ditching resolutions, ‘slow it down’ in the new year

Local massage therapist suggests ditching resolutions, ‘slow it down’ in the new year

Aimée Davis in her Millerton massage studio at 65 Main St. Davis offers massage therapy, relationship coaching and reiki in her studio and through home visits.

Photo by Aly Morrissey

MILLERTON — While many view the new year as a starting line for resolutions and new habits, Millerton-based massage therapist and relationship coach Aimée Davis suggests a different course — a marathon, not a sprint. She believes a slower, more embodied approach can lead to greater fulfillment than ticking boxes off a list.

“I’m more of a daily-moment person,” Davis said, explaining that she focuses on small, consistent practices rather than big, rushed goals. Practicing conscious living year-round allows her to forego new year’s resolutions. “I made one yesterday and I’ll make one tomorrow — I’m constantly tracking what’s coming up, what’s drifting and what I want to change.”

Keep ReadingShow less
wellness

Nearly a year after fire, Millerton continues rebuilding effort

Nearly a year after fire, Millerton continues rebuilding effort

Demolition crews from BELFOR Property Restoration began demolishing the fire-ravaged Water and Highway Department building in the Village of Millerton on Oct. 27, 2025.

Photo by Aly Morrissey

MILLERTON — With another winter underway and new snow-removal equipment now in place, the village is reminded of the February morning when a fire destroyed Millerton’s highway and water department building on Route 22, wiping out everything inside and setting off a year of recovery and rebuilding. The blaze broke out in the early hours of Feb. 3, as snow covered the ground.

Demolition and planning

Keep ReadingShow less
looking back

Austin Howard Barney

Austin Howard Barney

SHARON — Austin Howard Barney — known simply as “Barney” to many, of Sharon, age 87, died on Dec. 23, after his heroic battle with the black breath, hanahaki disease, cooties, simian flu and feline leukemia finally came to an end.

Austin was born on July 26, 1938, son of Sylvester and Iva Barney.

Keep ReadingShow less

Francis J. Schell

Francis J. Schell

FALLS VILLAGE — Francis J. “Bosco” Schell of Falls Village passed away peacefully on Dec. 20, at East Mountain House in Lakeville surrounded by members of his family.

Born in Kosice, Slovakia, in 1934 to a family of landowners in their ancestral home, he came to the United States in 1947 following the wreckage of the Second World War.

Keep ReadingShow less