UPDATED: Fri, Jul 03, 04:33PM
It's slim pickings for girls when it comes to action figures, and the majority of available options do not provide the positive role models young girls need. A study published by the Journal of Sex Roles found that girls who played with Barbie believed they had fewer career choices than those who played with Mrs. Potato Head. Research also found that the way fashion dolls are physically formed and dressed communicates messages of sexualization and objectification. There is a clear need for stronger, smarter heroines in our culture to encourage girls to envision themselves as bold and fearless ("You can't be what you can't see") and to create compelling, diverse female characters that defy gender stereotypes. In a panel moderated by CNET's Ashley Esqueda, you'll hear from Andrea Fernandez of GoldieBlox, Julie Kerwin of IAmElemental, Batgirl artist Babs Tarr, and Entertainment Earth's Jason Labowitz on creating kickass action figures for girls and why it's so critical to bring more positive female characters to light.