Barbie is a cultural artefact that many people have once owned and adored in their lifetime, if not still do. The doll, which arose in 1959, was created by the American company Mattel. They proved hugely successful and continue to do so, sold today by the second. Despite the immense victory of the doll, it comes with its complications and has been heavily criticized by many. The aim of this writing is to explore these contradicting arguments and discover: should...
5 Pages
2140 Words
In this paper I'm going to discuss how Barbie effects young girls. I wanted to research deeper into this topic because I am very interested in body image and the things that affect it, as I believe that this topic is especially relevant to teenage girls in the modern world. I also want to learn more about how consumer complaints affected Mattel and the Barbie brand. I will be researching both sides of the argument (consumer and company), and I...
4 Pages
1799 Words
Since 1959, the iconic Barbie doll has been one of the most popular toys worldwide. It has been the global symbol of a certain kind of American beauty for many generations and has been formed by the broader social climate of what is believed as the ideal female. The doll still circulates in our society today and has evolved to fit the needs of society. Sure, there have been a few missteps along the way, but Barbie has been beloved...
6 Pages
2683 Words
Ann duCille, a popular author known for her works on race and popular culture, in her article ‘Dyes and Dolls: Multicultural Barbie and the Merchandising of Difference’ speaks about Barbie, a doll with which many users identify their personal experiences with. The questions asked by duCille are eye-opening and revitalize new responses and answers among readers. Lack of a Barbie doll that looked like duCille in her schooling years before the conceptualization of a black Barbie in 1980, solicited mixed...
2 Pages
786 Words
Barbie dolls, they’ve around since the late 50’s, most young girls grow up them, and I highly doubt anyone living today doesn’t know what they are. Yet so little people really look into the implications of showing young girls these dolls which are unrealistically and have unattainable to the average person bodies. They’re crazily slim, and have ‘perfect’, model bodies. Yet for young girls who grow up with them it can seem to be the norm, or something that they...
2 Pages
1007 Words
Did you play with Barbie as a child? Did you ever wish you looked like the blonde bombshell? Since her launch in 1959, Barbie has had a huge impact on those girls who owned her. With over one billion dolls sold in 60 years, she has set an unattainable standard of beauty. From a young age, children are influenced by images around them. What message does Barbie send to young children about what is normal? Mattel, the toy manufacturer, has...
2 Pages
1084 Words
