How does BARBIE compare to an average girl in terms of appearance, lifestyle, and influence?

The Truth About Barbie: How a German Sex Toy Became a Global Icon

Barbie is one of the most popular and recognizable dolls in the world. She has been a fashion model, a surgeon, an astronaut, a president, and more. She has inspired and empowered millions of girls around the world with her endless possibilities and adventures. But behind her glamorous and successful image, there is a dark and controversial history that many people don’t know about. In this blog post, we will explore the origins, controversies, and transformations of Barbie, and how she has evolved to reflect the changing times and cultures.

The Birth of Barbie: From Bild Lilli to Mattel

Barbie was born on March 9, 1959, but her story began much earlier. Her creator, Ruth Handler, was an American businesswoman who co-founded Mattel, a toy company, with her husband Elliot and another partner in 1945. In 1956, Ruth and her teenage daughter Barbara were on a shopping trip in Switzerland when they saw a doll in a shop window that caught their eye. The doll was called Bild Lilli, and she was based on a German comic strip character that was popular among adult men. Bild Lilli was a blonde bombshell with luscious lips, curvy hips, and large breasts. She wore skimpy outfits and had a sassy attitude. She was designed as a novelty gift or a sex toy for men, not as a toy for children.

Ruth was fascinated by the doll and bought one for her daughter. She also bought some more to bring back to America. She thought that the doll could be modified and marketed as a toy for girls who wanted to play with adult-like dolls instead of baby dolls. She named the doll after her daughter Barbara and shortened it to Barbie. She hired a designer to make some changes to the doll’s appearance and clothing, such as removing the nipples, reducing the lips, and adding more modest outfits. She also gave the doll a backstory: Barbie’s full name was Barbara Millicent Roberts, and she was from the fictional town of Willows, Wisconsin.

Ruth pitched the idea of Barbie to Mattel, but they were initially skeptical. They thought that American parents would not buy such a mature-looking doll for their daughters. They also thought that the doll would be too expensive to produce and sell. Ruth persisted and convinced them to give her a chance. She hired an engineer to create a new mold for the doll’s body and head, and she ordered 300,000 dolls from Japan. She also arranged for Barbie to make her debut at the American International Toy Fair in New York in 1959.

The Rise of Barbie: A Billion-Dollar Babe

Barbie was an instant hit at the Toy Fair. She attracted a lot of attention from buyers and media alike. She was unlike any other doll on the market at that time. She was not a baby or a child, but an adult woman with a glamorous lifestyle and career choices. She appealed to girls who wanted to imagine themselves as grown-ups and explore different roles and identities. She also came with a variety of accessories, such as clothes, shoes, jewelry, cars, houses, pets, friends, and boyfriends.

Mattel sold 350,000 Barbie dolls in the first year of production. They soon expanded their line of products to include more dolls with different hair colors and styles, ethnicities and skin tones, body types and facial features. They also introduced more careers and hobbies for Barbie, such as nurse, teacher, ballerina, singer, pilot, veterinarian, astronaut, lawyer, president, etc. They also created more characters to join Barbie’s world.

Some of the most popular characters in Barbie’s world are:

• Ken Carson, Barbie’s longtime boyfriend, who was introduced in 1961. He was named after Ruth’s son, Kenneth. He has had various careers and styles over the years, such as doctor, rock star, surfer, pilot, etc. He also broke up with Barbie in 2004, but they got back together in 2011.
• Skipper Roberts, Barbie’s younger sister, who was introduced in 1964. She was originally a preteen, but she grew up to be a teenager in 1975. She has had many hobbies and interests, such as photography, babysitting, sports, music, etc. She also has a twin brother named Todd.
• Midge Hadley, Barbie’s best friend, who was introduced in 1963. She was the first doll in the Mattel line to feature rooted eyelashes. She was also the first pregnant doll, complete with a detachable belly and baby. She married her husband Alan Sherwood in 1991 and has three children: Ryan, Nikki, and Cassandra.
• Teresa Rivera, Barbie’s Hispanic friend, who was introduced in 1988. She is of Mexican descent and has brown hair and brown eyes. She is a talented singer and musician who plays the guitar and the piano. She also loves animals and nature.
• Christie O’Neil, Barbie’s African American friend, who was introduced in 1968. She is of Jamaican descent and has black hair and brown eyes. She is a sporty and adventurous girl who enjoys swimming, skiing, surfing, etc. She also has a boyfriend named Steven.
• Raquelle Harper, Barbie’s rival, who was introduced in 2006. She is jealous of Barbie’s popularity and success and tries to sabotage her plans. She has blonde hair and blue eyes and wears fashionable clothes and accessories. She also has a crush on Ken.

These are just some of the many characters that have appeared in Barbie’s world over the years. They have helped to create a diverse and dynamic universe for girls to play with and imagine themselves in different scenarios and roles. They have also appeared in various cartoons, TV shows, movies, books, games, and other media that feature Barbie as the main protagonist or co-star.

The Controversy of Barbie: A Symbol of Decadence or Empowerment?

Barbie has not always been well-received by everyone. She has faced a lot of criticism and controversy for her appearance, behavior, message, and influence on young girls and society at large. Some of the main issues that have been raised against Barbie are:

• Her unrealistic body proportions and beauty standards that could cause body dissatisfaction, low self-esteem, eating disorders, or plastic surgery among girls who want to look like her or compare themselves to her.
• Her lack of diversity and representation of different ethnicities, cultures, abilities and backgrounds, especially in the early years of her production, that could reinforce stereotypes, prejudice, or discrimination among girls who play with her or see her as a role model.
• Her materialistic and consumerist lifestyle and values that could encourage girls to be superficial, shallow, or greedy and to aspire to unrealistic or harmful goals or expectations.
• Her sexualized and provocative appearance and behavior that could expose girls to inappropriate or harmful messages or influences about sexuality, gender roles, or relationships.
• Her influence on the toy industry and the media that could limit the choices, creativity, or diversity of girls who play with her or watch her content.

These are some of the arguments that have been made against Barbie by various critics, activists, parents, educators, researchers, and others who have expressed their concerns or objections to the doll and her impact on girls and society. Some of them have even taken action to ban, boycott, protest, or destroy Barbie dolls or products in different ways and places. For example:

In 2003, Saudi Arabia banned Barbie from the country, calling her “a symbol of decadence to the perverted West” and “offensive to Islam”. They replaced her with a more modest and religious doll called Fulla.

In 2002, Iran also banned Barbie from the country, calling her “a Trojan horse” that would corrupt Iranian culture and values. They introduced a more conservative and patriotic doll called Dara and Sara.

In 1994, a group of feminists in Australia organized a “Barbie Liberation Organization” that swapped the voice boxes of Barbie dolls and G.I. Joe action figures and returned them to the stores. They wanted to challenge the gender stereotypes and norms that the toys reinforced.

In 1992, a performance artist in New York named Tom Forsythe created a series of photographs called “Food Chain Barbie” that depicted Barbie dolls in various scenes of domestic violence, sexual abuse, cannibalism, and mutilation. He wanted to criticize the consumer culture and gender oppression that Barbie represented.

In 1974, a group of protesters in France burned hundreds of Barbie dolls in front of the Louvre museum during the International Women’s Year. They wanted to denounce the sexism and racism that Barbie embodied.

These are just some of the examples of how Barbie has been challenged, resisted, or attacked by different people and groups who have different views and values about her. However, not everyone agrees with these criticisms or actions. Some people have defended, supported, or praised Barbie for her positive aspects and contributions. Some of the counter-arguments that have been made in favor of Barbie are:

• She is a source of fun, joy, and entertainment for girls who play with her. She stimulates their imagination, creativity, and expression. She allows them to explore different scenarios, roles and identities, such as career, family, friendship, etc. She gives them a sense of agency, autonomy, and empowerment.
• She is a role model and an inspiration for girls who look up to her. She shows them that they can be anything they want to be and that they can achieve their dreams and goals. She also teaches them valuable skills, values, and lessons, such as confidence, courage, kindness, compassion, etc.
• She is a reflection and a celebration of the diversity and beauty of women and girls around the world. She represents different ethnicities, cultures, abilities, and backgrounds. She also embraces different body types, skin tones, hair styles, and facial features. She promotes inclusion and acceptance of oneself and others.
• She is a cultural icon and a historical figure who has influenced and contributed to the toy industry, the media, the fashion industry, the art world, and the society at large. She has been inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, appeared in numerous cartoons, TV shows, movies, books, games, and other media, collaborated with various celebrities, designers, artists, and organizations, and participated in various social causes and movements.

These are some of the arguments that have been made in support of Barbie by various fans, collectors, celebrities, experts, researchers, and others who have expressed their admiration or appreciation for the doll and her impact on girls and society. Some of them have even taken action to celebrate, honor, or protect Barbie dolls or products in different ways and places. For example:

• In 2019, Mattel partnered with Airbnb to list Barbie’s Malibu Dreamhouse on their platform for $60 a night. The house was decorated with Barbie-themed furniture and accessories and featured various amenities and activities for guests to enjoy.
• In 2018, Mattel launched a “Role Models” campaign to commemorate International Women’s Day. They created a series of Barbie dolls based on inspiring women from different fields and backgrounds, such as Frida Kahlo, Amelia Earhart, Katherine Johnson, etc.
• In 2016, Mattel collaborated with Moschino to create a limited-edition Barbie doll and clothing collection inspired by the fashion brand’s style and aesthetic. The doll was sold out within an hour of its release online.
• In 2009, Mattel opened the first Barbie flagship store in Shanghai, China. The store was six stories high and featured over 1,600 Barbie dolls and products, a spa, a cafe, a design studio, a fashion runway, and a museum. The store was designed to appeal to the growing market of Chinese consumers who loved Barbie and her lifestyle.
• In 2007, Mattel celebrated Barbie’s 50th anniversary by creating a special edition doll that wore a gold dress and accessories. The doll also came with a certificate of authenticity and a commemorative book that showcased Barbie’s iconic looks and moments over the years.
• In 2004, Mattel partnered with the Andy Warhol Foundation to create a limited-edition Barbie doll that was inspired by the pop art legend’s famous portrait of Barbie. The doll wore a pink dress and sunglasses and had a colorful background. The doll also came with a miniature reproduction of Warhol’s painting.
• In 1999, Mattel launched the “Barbie for President” campaign to coincide with the US presidential election. They created a Barbie doll that wore a red, white, and blue suit and had a campaign slogan of “B Party”. They also created a website where girls could learn about politics and vote for Barbie’s platform.

These are just some of the examples of how Barbie has been celebrated, honored, or protected by different people and groups who have different views and values about her. However, not everyone agrees with these praises or actions. Some people have challenged, resisted, or attacked Barbie for her negative aspects and consequences.

The Future of Barbie: A Doll for All Times and Places?

Barbie has been through a lot of changes and challenges in her long and successful career. She has faced competition from other dolls and toys, criticism from various sources and perspectives, controversy from different issues and events, and transformation from different trends and demands. She has also adapted to different times and places, reflecting the diversity and beauty of women and girls around the world. She has also influenced and contributed to various industries, media, arts, and society at large.

But what does the future hold for Barbie? Will she continue to be relevant and popular among girls and consumers? Will she continue to be innovative and creative among toy makers and designers? Will she continue to be inspiring and empowering among women and girls? Will she continue to be controversial and divisive among critics and activists?

There is no definitive answer to these questions, as Barbie is a complex and dynamic doll that has many facets and dimensions. She is not just a toy, but a cultural icon, a historical figure, a role model, an inspiration, a reflection, a celebration, a symbol, or anything else that people want her to be. She is also constantly evolving and changing, responding to the needs and preferences of girls and consumers, as well as the trends and demands of the toy industry and the media. She is also constantly facing new challenges and controversies, as well as new opportunities and possibilities.

Therefore, the future of Barbie is uncertain and unpredictable, but also exciting and promising. She may continue to be a doll for all times and places, or she may become a doll for some times and places. She may continue to be a doll for all girls and women, or she may become a doll for some girls and women. She may continue to be a doll for all purposes and meanings, or she may become a doll for some purposes and meanings.

Whatever the future holds for Barbie, one thing is certain: she will always be a part of our culture, history, and imagination. She will always be a part of our childhood, our memories, and our dreams. She will always be a part of us.

What do you think about Barbie? Do you love her or hate her?

📝 SOURCES