Barrtalk: Mattel should be applauded for its new Barbie with autism doll

The once waifish Barbie doll has certainly come a long way; all the way from a size zero model to a feminist icon – and a superb new movie [and soundtrack] starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling in recent years.

Now there’s a Barbie with autism doll on sale for the first time, which, I think, can only be a very good thing; even if some may see it as a more cynical cash grab.

Mattel launched the new ASD doll last week to largely positive reviews, particularly among those whose kids live with the still-misunderstood condition.

The new Barbie carries a pink [what else?] fidget spinner, wears pink noise-cancelling headphones to reduce sensory overload, and holds a pink tablet that represents her augmentative and alternative communication device.

The new toy wouldn’t even have been conceived of when Barbie was first born in 1959. Autism was barely acknowledged in humans back then, never mind having a representative doll.

But these are infinitely better and more inclusive times that we’re living in – and Barrtalk salutes Mattel for its new message, which is that girls [or boys] with ASD are completely ‘normal’ too.

Those with autism may also be inspirational – and aspirational – figures of love and hope.

And speaking of inclusivity, I’m hoping that Mattel will now create a mass market transgender doll as well. If, for no other reason, than it’ll annoy the hell out of the ghouls on the religious right [including Mountjoy’s most infamous current in-and-out prisoner].

Funny how time slips away

Barrtalk is headed [dreaded] for the big 5-0 at the end of this calendar year, which is just a number: a pretty big one at 2026.

If you kindly think that I don’t look a day over 40; that’s because the photo at the top of this page was snapped a full decade ago!

In footballing parlance, I’m certainly well into the second-half, while in cricket, I’d be firmly establishing my second innings by now.

Even though they aren’t any different to other birthdays, really, landmark birthdays are always a cause for reflection and can be mildly terrifying. If there’s such a thing as mild terror. Doubt it.

Anyway, my parents have pointed out how it's much worse to be the parent of a ‘child’ who’s about to turn 50, rather than turn 50 yourself, which is probably true.

But it’s important to remember the old cliché too: that there’s always someone worse off than yourself.

Spare a thought for poor old country singer Willie Nelson, for example, whose eldest daughter, Lana, is now almost 73-years-old. And, let’s face it, if you have a child of that vintage, you’re most definitely in bonus injury time!

“Gee, ain't it funny how time slips away?”

Planning for the great beyond

Staying on the subject of age, I was watching some daytime snooker during a period of annual leave the other week.

And judging by the ads during the break, the demographic watching the green baize – at least during the daytime – certainly aint getting any younger.

There were ads for stair lifts, exercise devices for seniors, life insurance, as well as surprisingly loud commercials for hearing aids, and umpteen cheery messages urging viewers to plan ahead for their funerals [from as little as £3,000].

Yikes; maybe this retirement that all us middle-aged workers are busily aspiring towards isn’t all it’s cracked up to be after all?

Robbie Williams and Britpop are back, baby

I note that Robbie Williams’ new album – the brilliantly titled ‘Britpop’ – is stacking up some very stellar reviews.

I’ve always kinda liked the former Take That member, whose songs ‘Angels’ and ‘Millennium’ will always instantly transport me back to the late 1990s and one of the happiest times in my life [when illness, death and worry were not even a distant thought].

I have listened to a few songs from Robbie’s new one, and I have to admit I really like what I hear so far.

I particularly admire Williams for his song, ‘Morrissey’, which is a very brave and unusual effort that expresses concern for the wellbeing of the former Smiths frontman, who’s one of Barrtalk’s all-time non-negotiables [despite his descent into increasing curmudgeon-ness, which incidentally accelerated after he turned 50!].

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I don’t know what Steven Patrick Morrissey himself makes of the song about him. I suspect he’ll secretly love it – even though he might never concede the fact to anyone.

The Irish Times wrote of the latest album: “It’s completely out to lunch – possibly dinner and supper too – and a reminder that, whatever else he may be guilty of, nobody could ever accuse Robbie Williams of being boring.”

True, that.

Light at end of January tunnel

And finally this week, I wrote recently of the unrelenting cold and darkness of January, which is one of those months that seems to drag on long past its official 31 days.

Is it just me? Or does it feel like New Year’s Eve was about six months ago, rather than just four weeks back?

There is light at the end of the tunnel, however. Quite literally.

In exactly one months’ time, we will have gained more than two hours’ worth of additional, precious daylight time, while sunset will move from its current 4.47pm to the much more palatable 6pm.

It’s no wonder the TV is flooded with ads for summer holidays in the sun around this time of year, though. We’re all sitting ducks, craving the warmth.