Did Barbie Have A Sex Change?
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Did Barbie Have A Sex Change?

Well, she did, but back in 1993.

Zoe James
Dec 07, 2018
Appalachian State UniversityNational Writers Society
230
Did Barbie Have A Sex Change?
c1.staticflickr.com

In the fall of 1993, a group of parents, feminists, anti-violence activists, and artists got together to swap out the voice boxes in approximately 300 Teen Talk Barbies and Talking Duke G.I. Joe's.

Wait, what?

Yes, G.I. Joe and Barbie swapped scripts. These modified Barbie's said things like, "Attack!" and "Vengeance is mine!" while the modified G.I. Joe's asked, "Will we ever have enough clothes?" The voice box swapped dolls were then repackaged and put back on shelves in toy stores across 43 U.S. states.

Barbie Liberation Organisationwww.youtube.com

The Barbie Liberation Organization (the BLO) formed following a 1992 release of the same doll that the BLO later modified. That version of the Teen Talk Barbie said a typical collection of Barbie phrases about clothes, shopping, and weddings...along with one that outraged parents and educational groups.

"Math class is tough."

The BLO decided to change out the voice boxes with G.I. Joe's the next year, opting to send out two messages:

1. Stop enforcing gender stereotypes on children.

2. Stop teaching children to be violent.

The voice box switch made news stories across the country, landed an article in the New York Times, and ruined a few parents' Christmas mornings when their children unwrapped "defective" toys.

barbie liberation organization
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

25 Beatles Lyrics: Your Go-To Guide for Every Situation

The Best Lines from the Fab Four

SUNY Binghamton
94214
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
best beatles lyrics
Featured

14 Invisible Activities: Unleash Your Inner Ghost!

Obviously the best superpower.

Providence College
112408
Being Invisible The Best Super Power
i.redd.it

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
supernatural
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

Siena College
70819
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
small towns
Relationships

Grateful Beyond Words: A Letter to My Inspiration

I have never been so thankful to know you.

University of New Haven
328264
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Smith College
132429
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
waitlisted

Trending Topics

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments