Barbie as the Virgin Mary, Ken as Jesus...

Barbie has had several careers— flight attendant, veterinarian, astronaut, even president. Her latest role, however, is raising eyebrows.               

Italy’s Catholic bishops are furious over controversial depictions of the popular Barbie and Ken dolls as the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ.         

Two Argentinean artists, Marianela Perelli and Pool Paolini, produced 33 dolls of various religious figures for a show named “Barbie, The Plastic Religion,” which opens in Buenos Aires on October 11.

The artists’ collection includes religious figures from Catholicism, Judaism, Hinduism and Buddhism. Although the artists decided against creating a Ken doll as Islam’s Prophet Muhammad, they do portray Jesus being crucified on the cross.
         

              
  

SIR, an Italian website backed by the Italian bishops conference, denounced the controversial toys, and invited parents to explain to their children why a doll is not always a gift and to help to deconstruct “the fictitious role” presented and the true stories behind the dolls.                      

What are your thoughts on the topic? Do you feel it is offensive, or does no harm? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.