There are at least 70 career Barbie dolls. They range from teachers to politicians, photographers to zoologists. But there is no funeral director Barbie! Funeral director Sarah Brown-Derbah is working to change this.
“What I’m trying to do is convince Mattel to create a funeral director Barbie doll. Within the last 15-20 years, women have been representing over 70% of the classes in the mortuary science schools. I want little girls to see that this is an option, this is a career path, there is a place for women in this field,” said Brown-Derbah.
“As far as Barbie the brand, I think a funeral director aligns perfectly. We’re the last profession that still dresses professionally and classy. And what is Barbie known for? Helping in the community. That’s what the doll represents now. So I think now is a great time for Mattel to create this doll, to bring awareness to women in the funeral service profession, and to show little girls that they can truly be whatever they want to be.”
If you’d like to sign the petition, go to Change.org and search for “Funeral Director Barbie petition.”
Here’s a video with Sarah Brown-Derbah at the 2023 National Funeral Directors Association Convention, talking about her campaign.
About Gail Rubin (not Barbie)
When I was a little girl, I had a Barbie with a black bouffant hairdo. I never dreamed I would grow up to be The Doyenne of Death®. But, here I am, making videos with exhibitors at the National Funeral Directors Association convention and expo.
I’m a pioneering death educator who uses humor, film clips, and outside the box activities to encourage people to plan for our 100% mortality rate. You can see my books, videos, T-shirts, The Newly-Dead® Game and other products in the To Die For Shopping section of AGoodGoodbye.com.
I’m also a professional speaker on a range of end-of-life topics. Get in touch if you’d like to book me for your next conference!
If you’d like to see more videos, subscribe to my YouTube channel, @Gail Rubin.