Millions of Barbies have been sold to millions of different girls, so why are these dolls always tall, skinny, and possessing Caucasian features? Released in the 1950s, these popular toys have consistently been white, tall, thin, and typically blonde. Why? Because this body type was often seen to resemble the ideal woman. Barbie was seen to be beautiful and had a very thin body shape that was idolized in the real world. It wasn’t until the 1980s that the black Barbie was released. Unfortunately, this new doll was still the stereotypically skinny, large chested toy that people loved. In reality, Barbie’s figure was rarely seen but was sought after by girls of all ages, creating a standard for what the perfect girl looks like.

Throughout history, body image has changed dramatically. In the past, heavy set, big boned women were seen as the ideal body type because they were seen as the most equipped to carry a child during pregnancy. Men were extremely attracted to this body type, but, as decades went by, the perfect woman got thinner and thinner, reshaping popular perceptions of what women should look like.

Barbie is the perfect example of changing body images as a new line of dolls have emerged. These new girls range from petite to curvy and, show that tall and thin is not the only form of beauty. The new line includes four body types, seven skin tones, 22 eye colors, and 24 hairstyles. Barbies can now be found curvy, tall, petite, and, of course, "original." The company is opening up into a new world and trying to erase the stereotypes that many girls of all ages face. No longer does Barbie want to create this standard in which women should strive for.

This is not only a big step for Barbie but a major move in changing how young girls feel about themselves. The media plays a huge role in shaping what some see to be the perfect girl, especially in the fashions industry. Rarely do we see models walking the runway that are over a size four and models like Tyra Banks are considered plus sized. Because girls are exposed to these standards, it is hard to not get discouraged and many girls feel imperfect.

Thanks to the new movement by Barbie, girls will see a new kind of beautiful. There will be one less influence on how a girl should look and what mold we should fit.

Feeling the need to look beautiful and impress has always weighed on women. Unfortunately, girls see dozens of stereotypically perfect women every day and many feel the need to strive for this perfection.Barbie is helping girls to realize that tall, blonde, and skinny is not the only type of beauty. Perfection comes in millions of different ways and the new line of dolls is showing girls that there is no mold, nobody should strive to be someone they are not, and every woman is perfect just the way she is.