Barbie turns 62: An instrument of oppression of girls or positive influence?
Barbie turns 62 this year; She is a doll, not a toy. However, she has become a genuine phenomenon, a character is known by millions of people worldwide, both young and old.
For more than six decades, she has been one of the top choices for getting a toy, an unprecedented feat for a doll in the toy industry.
She is also probably the first female influencer since she has always served as a symbol of the significance of image and lifestyle to the young girls.
But what is the renowned Barbie doing to encourage her female counterparts at the age of 62?
Before the birth of Barbie, the majority of toys marketed to ladies were baby dolls. Simultaneously, they promoted the idea that ladies’ futures lay at home, caring for their homes and children.
Thus, Barbie was born out of a desire to provide something more for girls. Yes, she was a doll, but she also had a career as a model. Barbie brand’s cornerstone was that a girl could interact with her while visualizing herself in the future, both within and outside of her.
However, to play the game of picturing yourself as an adult with silky hair, a slim body, a closet full of clothes, and a perfect first love (Ken) perpetuate a different ideal that places more value on the body and image can harm girls’ mental health.
The image linked to the body
Toys, far from being innocent and straightforward enjoyment, have a significant impact on children’s development. Children copy societal conventions and accept subliminal messages about gender roles through games. Thus, seemingly harmless toys can communicate a variety of preconceptions.
Researching for this article, I learned that girls exposed to Barbies internalised the ideal of beauty represented by a slim body, which was confirmed by the amount of food they ate.
Exposure to unhealthy, unreal, and unattainable body images has increased the risk of developing an eating disorder.
Modification of shape and size
As parents became more conscious of harmful body ideals and cultural pressures on girls, they began seeking more empowering toys for their children.
Mattel, Barbie’s manufacturer, decided to shake things up (perhaps owing to dwindling sales) and produced a new line of Barbies in 2016 with various body forms, sizes, hairstyles, and skin tones.
If Barbie was about encouraging girls to be who they want to be, the brand has sought to keep up by giving relevant tools for girls to experiment with roles.
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Changes like these have a significant impact on how young girls think about the jobs they will be able to get, the skills they have, and the responsibilities they will be able to take on.
As a bonus, the toy company has launched its first-ever global Dream Gap Project with the humanitarian group “Inspiring Girls International.”
This year Barbie is celebrating International Women’s Day by honouring 12 trailblazing women
Anyways, Barbie, who appears to be in her twenties, Happy 62nd Birthday to her.
Image source: 1,2,3 (canva), 4
I never liked Barbie when I was a kid but when I grew up I liked the dollhouses and all but later on I got to know about the body image thing. Hard to believe Barbie is 62 and I’m 27… ????
The Barbie Doll has been an icon and a revolution. Never knew that the doll has turned 62 years. She has been the companion of girls across generations. Sandy N Vyjay
Barbie and its evolution has been quite a story and such an insight into our society and human psyche. however, you are right that at 62, while she looks 20, she has had a far reaching affect on millions of little girls, not the least of which is vanity.
Coming from a very middle class family the Name of Barbie was Moore than enough for us …. having it was a weird dream and we ( me and didi) grew up well playing with desi dolls. So I have no rights to comment about Dear Barbie
OMG did Barbie just turn 62? My sister used to play with Barbie dolls since she was young. Barbie was indeed the first female influencer, a symbol of lifestyle to young girls everywhere.
The Barbie Doll has been an icon and a revolution from generation. Never knew that the doll has turned 62 years. I remember about my childhood where I spent my days with Barbie dolls and watch her cartoon. Interesting read
I had plenty of Barbie dolls when i was younger but i only used them to dress them up and do their hair. I was more attracted to women on magazines and tv because i thought that was thei real flawless skin and naturally shaped slim body. This gives me a great idea for another blog post.
That’s great.. I eagerly await your next post.????
What an insightful full on a seemingly regular topic. Have seen Barbie dolls since childhood but never thought much about those. And now I see it’s an icon.
Oh my God, what?!! She is 62? Whoa ????
I’ve never owned a barbie in my life but as a child, I’ve always wanted one.
And look at that! who could have thought that a plastic doll could last that long. WEll, it’s plastic so, of course!haha..anyways, I’m so glad that even barbie is embracing diversity as well and adjusting to equality, showcasing the different colours of real human skin and most especially body figure.
Thank you for sharing your views on a first influencer. All of us have played with these little dolls but never thought much on that.
Barbie, the best friend of all the girls from our time and much before till now. Indeed it has a beautiful and world-changing journey for her. Thank you for making my world better barbie.
Being a mother to a child, I am still fascinated with Barbie. I was crazy about it as a child. 62 years is a long time. Great to know that they have launched such an extensive range of Barbie.
I never played with any doll in my childhood, yet I’ve seen my friends playing with Barbie dolls. I like those tiny accessories coming with the dolls. I didn’t have any idea that a plastic doll can be so revolutionary and be the icon of unity and peace. Nice post I must say.
When I was a child, I had so many Barbies. In fact for every birthday or occasion I was given a Barbie. I did not know that Barbie was turning 62.
All of us have had atleast one Barbie as a kid and dressed her up in chic outfits. Good idea to show inclusivity since her body type did induce body shaming issues in young girls back then.
Barbie turned 62 is a news to me. Ages have passed and still it’s one of the most popular doll. I don’t remember playing but barbie but both my kids were fascinated by this doll. Together they have 15+ barbies with all the possible accessories.
Happy 62nd to Barbie. I am so glad now Barbie is so inclusive. Though would like her to come in all shapes and sizes. I remember having Barbies in childhood which all looked same and I wanted Blonde hair too!
This post took away my heart, I remember Barbie as my sweetest childhood memory, getting a barbie doll as a birthday gift was a real treasure.
Barbie dolls used to be a thing of luxury back in our childhood days because not everybody could afford them. But look now, there are atleast 2-3 barbies in every home where children are. I loved my barbies and now my kids love theirs.
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