I am sure that you all have heard of the internationally sold children's doll, Barbie. Barbie has been around since 1959, being one of the most iconic toys/dolls to exist. Over ONE BILLIION Barbie dolls have been sold, and 29 movies have been made about a variety of different universes that Barbie lives in. Barbie is everywhere. So many companies/products will put the Barbie doll face on their stuff to make it more interesting and approachable for children. Of course, with the huge attention that comes with Barbie, there comes controversies. Many people believe that the traditional blonde hair, blue eye, skinny, white, and pretty doll is a bad role model for young boys and girls. They feel that this "perfect" doll will make children percieve themselves as not pretty enough or not skinny enough etc. And while I do agree with these people that there isn't enough diversity throughout the doll/toy industry, I disagree with them when they say that Barbie isn't a good role model in general. Here's why:
There have been both men and women Barbie dolls, people of color, and different weight types. There are even some with disabilities, such as using a wheelchair or prosthetic limbs. There are also numerous different "traditional" Barbies made and sold with each one having a different occupation. There has been a flight attendent Barbie, nurse/doctor Barbie, graduate Barbie, astronaut Barbie, air force pilot, surgeon, dentist, and the list goes on and on. I feel that Barbie is very inspirational for both boys AND girls. Barbie has broken the mysoginistic barriers of traditional male jobs, and she made it seem possible to be whatever you want when you grow up for children.
Of course, I wish to see even MORE diversity on the toy shelves moving forward. There used to be a time when children of color would look at dolls and never see one that looked like them, but times are changing. Even though the Barbie doll herself is not necessarily diverse, the Barbie company cares about equality. On the Barbie youtube channel, they sometimes post animations of Barbie and pretend like she is a youtuber. This animation of Barbie has spoken out about the black lives matter movement, depression, spreading positivity, and much more. I think it's important for children to have a role model that teaches them to be kind and spread positivity regardless of what your views or opinions are.
What do you think about Barbie?
Replies
What a great story choice and aweosme summary! This is what I am looking for for this assignment! Super job! I agree with your opinions as well!
I think that barbie is a good role model, especially for women in general. Over the past decade especially, she has broken the gender barrier in many fields of work and inspired many girls to do the same. While I agree that the line could be more diverse, I think that the corporation knows this and is taking the steps to make their dolls more inclusive.
I agree with you. Despite the Barbie doll being very "basic" if you will, the brand and company is doing wonders for children. It's important for young girls to see that women are capable of doing anything men can, and I feel like Barbie pushes that message to children.
I think Barbie may not have the most diverse representation, but the dolls are probably the most diverse mainstream toy currently. The Barbie brand itself is very inclusive and the youtube channel spreads positive messages to kids. Although there's always room for growth, I think Barbie is a good role model. She has a wide range of careers, ethnic backgrounds, and body types. The brand also preaches positivity and being kind.
I agree. Of course Barbie isn't 100% perfect right now, and the brand can always make it better. Where the company is right now is pretty good for positivity influence, and I think it's important for children to be told the positive messages that Barbie tells.
I can see how she wouldn't be, because she would be giving childeren a false impression on how they're supposed to look. However, Barbie's have had such an impact on childeren and it's not really hurting them. They are also just young kids who don't think anything of it and just want a doll to play with. Plus, if they were to get offended, there are other dolls that don't look like barbie that they can purchase.
I have never known what it's like to be opressed or bullied because of my physicality, ie, my race or body type. I could see how dolls/toys like Barbie could damage children's self esteem as they play with them, and I would never disregard someone else's insecurities. There are more toys coming up that are diverse, and I think it's super cool. I hope more and more toys continue to fit realistic standards for children.
Though Barbie is a perfect, skinny, white girl, there are many dolls that aren't white. She looks the way she does because of the time period she was made. I don't think this is hurting any children. I think it teaches them what they can be. Like you said there are many Barbies that are different colors, have different jobs and aren't all skinny. I think it's fine and we shouldn't pick on Barbie because she's white and skinny.
I do agree that we have to think about the time period when Barbie was made. I think it would be irrational to say that any popular doll made before 2018 could have a different body type besides being skinny. I wish it were different, but fat shaming has been arounf forever, and people are just now starting to care about it.
I think that they are a type of doll that can mostly inspire people like children. I don't see a problem with kids and dolls like barbies. I really agree with the company about making barbies with the disabities because then it shows kids that no matter what you can do anything.
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