In an effort to ensure that children today remain interested in Barbie, Mattel has created a new line entitled My Scene Barbie. These hip dolls are meant to update the image of Barbie. She now has new hobbies, friends, and features. For instance, the Chillin' Out Barbie has a cell phone and snowboard. The My Scene Barbie is also supposed to be more of a positive role model for young girls than Barbie has been perceived to be in the past. For example, Chillin' Out Barbie comes with a helmet--a good message about safety. This helps to modernize the overall feel of the Barbie line, too. My Scene Barbie's new friends include Madison, Chelsea, Nolee, Delancey and Kenzie. Male dolls in the line include Hudson, River, Ellis and Sutton. A new angle on the My Scene Barbie is the celebrity likenesses that are used. For example, a Lindsay Lohan My Scene doll was released as part of the My Scene Goes Hollywood series. Not only are these editions' faces made to look like stars, but all of the accessories are meant to match the personality of the actress. With all of the new distractions that kids have to deal with today (including the very cell phone that the Chillin' Out Barbie holds), it was necessary for Mattel to take this step. Barbie will always be a collector's item, but she needs to reflect the times that she "lives" in. What better way than with technology breakthroughs and celebrity look-alikes?
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