Network security analyst Antoinette Stevens posed a question for her audience: How much could a speaking Barbie doll influence young girls’ view of mathematics?

At the Iowa Women Lead Change Central Iowa Conference Nov. 7, Stevens, who cares passionately about cybersecurity and IT education for a broader audience, walked through Barbie’s steps and missteps since 1992’s Teen Talk Barbie — the one who famously said, “math class is tough” in one of several selected phrases for Mattel’s second speaking doll.

Barbie’s controversial phrase was only 1.4 percent of what the average Teen Talk Barbie could spout at the time, but the complaint heard ’round the world spawned backlash from the American Association of University Women.

The IWLC Conference audience last week had some really interesting thoughts during this walk down toy history lane, including one woman who asked if Barbie’s broader comments (“Let’s plan our dream wedding,” “Party dresses are fun,” “Will we ever have enough clothes?”), coupled with the math class statement, might be what sent the wrong message.

Today we can sigh in collective relief looking at 2016’s Game Developer Barbie — or go the extra mile and buy your daughter, granddaughter or niece an AI software development kit.