"They are true role models for girls of all ages..."

Most people would consider Kim Clijsters an appropriate role model for girls. She is a good sportswoman, a successful athlete, and she has faced change with a positive attitude. Barbie manufacturer Mattel says it considers Clijsters a good role model--but not quite good enough. The exhibition Kim Clijsters Barbie (thankfully, girls will not be able to buy it) that will be on display-- starting tomorrow--at the Nuremberg Toy Fair, is so skinny, I want to hook it up to a feeding tube.

Once again, Mattel gives the wrong message to girls: Be strong, be nice, succeed--but be thin as a rail. In the case of Clijsters, this message is especially ridiculous. Clijsters does not have a thin frame. And she would never be able to hit the ball as hard as she does or to endure the athleticism of tennis if she had neither fat nor muscles.

So little girls, be like Kim, yes--only be like the real Kim. Eat well, build your muscles, and play hard. Look like a real woman.