Barbie may not be the best role model for young girls - I read somewhere that if she was real, she'd be over six foot, 44DD boobs and a 24 inch waist - but she's a helluva lot better than Bratz.
The store where I work stocks equal amounts of Bratz and Barbie toys but Bratz is a lot more popular. I don't have any kids but if I did, I'd rather she had Barbie than a Brat. Barbie can do anything - be a teacher, vet, doctor, pilot - as well as be a model, mermaid or singer. Bratz on the other hand, live to shop and be popular. There are no career dolls and they seem to chase after boys and clothes rather than actually do anything. Bratz are the toy industry's answer to Paris Hilton et al. Even the Bratz Babyz (sic) wear make up, uber skimpy clothing and writhe around at the touch of a button.
Barbie may be a twinkie but at least she's harmless...