Mattel's Hijab Barbie "Cute" and "Progressive"? Not So Much

Robert Fulford sets the toy company--and everyone else--straight:

In those countries [where hijab-wearing is a requirement], regions or neighbourhoods, the future for girls is narrowly circumscribed. As they grow from childhood to maturity they often find it hard to get an education, a job or a personal bank account. A woman realizes eventually that she’s not to be seen in public with an adult male, unless he’s her husband or a close relative. A girl’s husband may be chosen by her family. Women may have their own ambitions but the key choices in their lives are not theirs to make.