Courtney E. Martin can imagine Feminist Barbie

The doll that Americans love — and love to hate — turns 50 this year. In honor of Barbie hitting the half-century mark, the Toy and Miniature Museum of Kansas City is featuring the exhibit Celebrating 50 Fabulous Years with America’s Favorite Doll, plus a slew of related events, including lectures, film screenings and craft times for kids. In conjunction with the exhibit, feminist author and blogger Courtney E. Martin visits the Plaza Branch of the Kansas City Public Library on Thursday to talk about girls, their self-image, and how Barbie figures in. We caught up with Martin via e-mail for a teaser on the subject.