I think I was in elementary or middle school when that Barbie came out, and I remember my mom, a mathematician, was furious. About the same time, my brother's teacher was suggesting a mnemonic for milli- -> kilo- that incorporated something about metrics being difficult or hard. Much letter writing ensued.
somehow i was spared exposure to that barbie. i'm sure my mother would've been horrified....however, she probably wouldn't have written a letter. i was busy cutting off barbies hair and launching her off the back deck into the shrubbery.