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Protecting Animals, Getting Teased, Staying Connected On- and Offline Just Some Hot Issues for Girls Everywhere

President 2000 Barbie(R) Doll Inspires Nearly 12,000 Young Americans To 'Vote' on Issues Important to Them

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LOS ANGELES, July 31 /PRNewswire/ -- When President 2000 Barbie(R) doll announced her bid for the Presidency in April and asked young Americans to help define her platform, nearly twelve thousand kids across the nation eagerly logged onto Barbie's Web site to "vote" on issues that affect their lives, their schools and their country. The results have been tallied and President 2000 Barbie is on her way to the White House with a concrete platform structured by our nation's future leaders and registered voters.

The platform results from the nearly 12,000 voters indicate that kids have a powerful drive to protect those that sometimes cannot protect themselves, specifically animals and or children. More than half of the voters agree the biggest problem in their schools is teasing and fighting, and their main concern about our country is too much crime. One problem these potential politicians won't face is staying connected -- the majority thinks a laptop computer best represents American kids today. And here's some advice for all the candidates, the majority of respondents named their best friend as the ideal running mate if they were to run for President, with Barbie coming in as a close second choice (please see attached results for specifics).

"We're proud to have offered future voters their first chance to be heard in the political arena, and we hope to have inspired them to make future positive changes and contributions in their communities," said Anne Parducci, senior vice president, Mattel, Inc. "Barbie doll's path to the Presidency is lined by thousands of young supporters whose priceless input is paving the way for future female leaders."

Barbie.com and select Toys "R" Us stores across the country were the forums at which kids could give their opinions from April 17 - June 17, 2000. Forty percent of votes tallied came from kids ages 9-11, and four states contributed the majority of votes -- California (12 percent), New York and Florida (tied at eight percent) and Texas (six percent). Young boys and girls had the chance to vote on the following questions:

Which issue is most important to you?
a) Protecting our environment. Our water, trees and land! 26%
b) Protecting animals 29%
c) Girls and boys having equal opportunities 23%
d) Getting the best education possible 22%

What is the biggest problem in your school?
a) Not enough art and music programs 14%
b) Not enough computer and science classes 11%
c) Teasing and fighting 54%
d) Too much pressure 21%

What is the biggest problem in our country today?
a) Too many disadvantaged people 13%
b) Too much crime 50%
c) Kids can't vote on things that affect them 37%

As President, Barbie will represent the United States when she visits other countries. What would you like Barbie to take with her that best represents American kids today?

a) Soccer ball 16%
b) Hot dogs 12%
c) Laptop computer to surf the net 58%
d) Baseball 14%

If you were running for President, whom would you choose to be your Vice President?
a) Your mom 26%
b) Your teacher 6%
c) Your best friend 36%
d) Barbie 32%

Mattel partnered with Girls Incorporated(R), a national non-profit youth organization dedicated to inspiring all girls to be strong, smart and bold(SM), and The White House Project(SM), a non-profit organization committed to raising awareness of women's leadership in American politics, in a nationwide movement aimed at inspiring young people to become educated about their right to vote. Mattel and Toys "R" Us developed the President 2000 Barbie campaign for kids to vote on Barbie doll's platform, which provided parents and daughters the opportunity to discuss the importance of voting and the vital role of female politicians and leaders in our country.

About Barbie and Mattel

Since her creation in 1959 as a paper-doll-inspired friend, the Barbie doll has achieved the title as the most popular fashion doll ever created. She's held that title by adapting her look, lifestyle and fashions to meet changing times. The Barbie brand has no limits. So whether on the high fashion runway or the information super highway at Barbie.com, Barbie best celebrates the girl in you!

Mattel, Inc. is a worldwide leader in design, manufacture and marketing of family products. With headquarters in El Segundo, California, Mattel has offices and facilities in 36 countries and markets its products in more than 150 nations throughout the world.

Girls Inc.

Girls Incorporated is a national non-profit youth development, research, and advocacy organization dedicated to inspiring all girls to be strong, smart and bold(SM). For over 50 years, Girls Incorporated has provided vital educational programs to millions of America's girls, particularly those living in under-served areas. Today, innovative programs help girls confront subtle societal messages about their value and potential, and prepare them to lead successful, independent and complete lives.

The White House Project

The White House Project is a non-profit, non-partisan public awareness campaign to change the political climate so that women can launch successful campaigns for the U.S. presidency and other key positions. The project is committed to raising awareness of women's leadership in American politics and mobilizing Americans of all ages to participate in civic life.

Toys "R" Us

Toys "R" Us -- The world's leading resource for kids, families and fun currently operates 1,553 stores; 709 toy stores in the United States, 467 international toy stores, including franchise stores, 203 Kids "R" Us children's clothing stores, 134 Babies "R" Us stores and 40 Imaginarium stores. The company also sells merchandise through its Internet sites and through mail order catalogs.

SOURCE Mattel, Inc.

 

 

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