Barbie: An Iconic Toy with a Rich History
Barbie is an iconic toy that's been around for six decades and has influenced several generations. She's a fashion icon, an inspiration, and a cultural icon that millions of girls know and love.
The Birth of Barbie
Barbie was first introduced at the American International Toy Fair in 1959 by Ruth Handler, co-founder of Mattel with her husband Elliot. She was inspired by a doll called Bild Lilli, a German comic strip character that had been originally marketed as a sexy gag gift for men.
A Doll with Adult Features
She was the first mass-produced doll to have adult features, and this made her very popular with young girls. She was also the first to be able to have different careers such as teacher, model, nurse, and pilot.
A Controversial Figure
While she may have gotten a bad rap over the years, Barbie is an iconic toy that's still very popular with many children and has even inspired a movie!
Her body has been the source of much debate, and while her swivel waist was phased out in 1997, she still maintained unrealistic proportions. Critics say that her slender and busty appearance can lead to negative feelings and self-images among young girls. They also say that her career choices and lifestyle promote Eurocentric beauty standards that are unsuitable for African American, Hispanic, and Asian girls.
A Trailblazing Career
She's been to space three times and has a very impressive resume. She's been a paleontologist, a Desert Storm medic, Canadian Mountie, McDonald's cashier, zoo doctor, business executive, secretary, Catwoman, rapper, and has even run for President.
A Changing Brand and Cultural Beliefs
The company, Mattel, now sells more than a billion Barbies every year. It has also developed a line of dolls that are based on real women, including Frida Kahlo and aviator Amelia Earhart. A new generation of "shero" dolls is being launched to celebrate women who have overcome adversity. These new dolls are branded as aspirational playthings and reflect changing cultural beliefs about role models for girls.
Aspirational Toys: Teaching Lifelong Lessons
Aspirational toys are an important part of helping children learn how to overcome their challenges and succeed in life. They're also a great way to help children develop a healthy attitude about their bodies and confidence in themselves. In the past, boys were conditioned to believe that dolls were for violent play, which could affect their behavior later in life.
Evolving with Changing Times
The newer versions of Barbie, like the ones in Mattel's Shero line, are designed to help children understand that they can achieve their dreams if they work hard enough and have support from others. These newer dolls are branded as "aspirational" playthings and reflect changing consumer preferences in a time when children are abandoning physical toys in favor of digital devices.
A Timeless and Iconic Toy
The slender figure of Barbie has been the subject of much debate and controversy throughout her history. While she may have gotten a bad reputation over the years, she is an iconic toy that's still quite popular with many children and has even inspired countless movies!
