You would think since it is 2012, that the gender stereotypes that were once so predominant in American society would have diminished by now. I mean, relatively speaking, we have so many more new, pressing issues to focus on, such as the 2012 election bids, the economy or even something so simple as the issue of texting while driving.
Instead, the LEGO Company wants to throw a stereotype into the mix; they want to place a stereotype on the typical lifestyle of a woman.

As described on the LEGO website, LEGO Friends, as the new line is called, creates a place called Heartlake City, which consists of a beauty parlor, a café, a bakery, a clothing design school, a vet’s office, a sound stage and an inventor’s workshop.

There are no men in Heartlake City, except for the father of Olivia, one of the five core friends. The mini-dolls come with the following accessories: a purse, a hair brush, a hair dryer, four lipsticks, two barrettes, a spatula, an electric mixer, two cupcakes and, for when they’re not primping or baking, a puppy dog and a pink book with butterflies on it.

As a female, I have to ask where is the library, or a science or psychological research lab, or a hospital or even an Intelligence Studies building?

Not all females are growing up to be housewives. Even the guys that are taking the time to read this, aren’t you (in a hypothetical sense) looking for a wife that will be something, be intelligent and not just play with a dog and eat cupcakes?

I’m not trying to attack men because I am an overly-zealous feminist, because I’m really not.

I’m just saying that although in our country this just seems like a toy characterizing the likes of young girls, think about the implications that gender discrimination has in other places.

I mean really think about all the pain, suffering and torture that women in other, less fortunate, parts of the world endure every single day: the sexual slavery, the pain and the suffering because men in their countries think they are superior over women and young girls.

It’s sickening the things that are happening in places like Africa, China, and the Middle East, all because someone is born with different anatomy than a man, and that really is the only reason why it is happening.

Ending gender discrimination is something that really needs to be done; it requires all of us to unite in solidarity to end traditions, practices and laws that harm women.

Ultimately, the struggle for women’s rights must be about making women’s lives matter everywhere all the time.
In practice, this means taking action to stop discrimination and violence against women, no matter where they are.

We should take part in this practice, instead of just continuing the trend.