Barbie campaign: NSW Police cop backlash
The NSW Police Force is copping a backlash after a series of photographs likening their female members to Barbie were posted onto social media.
The images were posted onto Instagram on Thursday along with the caption; “Life in plastic might be fantastic, but it’s not as good as life in the NSW Police”.
Female police officers were shown in a range of poses, all with bright pink backgrounds and Barbie-related captions, The Daily Telegraph reported.
They include a female police officer smiling as she held her belt, along with the caption: “This Barbie is serving the community”.
Another showed a woman in police uniform next to a dog and the caption: “This Barbie is working with her best friend”.
A third showed a police woman using a rescue harness along with the caption: “This Barbie is rescuing people in trouble”.
There were also similar themed images featuring female officers doing forensic work and working alongside horses.
There were many commenters furious about the social media post.
“As a woman in policing, your ‘Barbie’ campaign has missed the mark and comes across as condescending,” one wrote.
“I would hope to empower other women to join the job because they are intelligent, strong, resilient, compassionate and confident individuals, not liken it to a superficial, flaky plastic fantastic toy even if Barbie is the flavour of the month. Do better NSWPOL.”
Another commentator said: “It’s hard enough being taken seriously as a female in the job, by the public and management, posts referring to females as Barbie doesn’t exactly help.”
However, others insisted it was just some lighthearted fun.
“I love this post and you must have fun at work to keep motivated but also be ready to switch it up when needed and out on your game face. Which police do. They have an awful stressful role. Let them have some enjoyment,” wrote another.
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