Whether you support feminism or not, acceptance in the diversity of body shapes for all women is something to celebrate. After begging for a change, the world has moved a step forward by trying to remove social beauty standards that have lowered self-esteem worldwide. Americans are known to be the most supportive in terms of equality, and because of this, they pushed one of the world’s most influential companies to start a movement that boosts children’s confidence in the process or growing up.
Since 1959, Barbie has been mentoring girls to build self-independence and a touch of femininity. The dolls were first released as an attractive, blonde or brunette, skinny figurine with a spectacular sense of fashion and a friendly personality -- a girl to envy. The image of the perfect girl began to evolve as the company added several other skin tones and hairstyles. Barbie then began attaching a theme into every box, thus creating a version of Barbie Doctor, Barbie Hairstylist, Barbie Chef, among other professions that inspired girls to reach for their dreams.
With this project, the company gained many points upon the eyes of society, making Barbie the best toy doll for a girl’s childhood. Even though the box comes in hot-pink decorations, the dolls are made both for boys and girls. The company actually launched a male doll (Ken) and other unisex toys such as cars and dollhouses to promote double-gender playtime. I recall playing with my little brother when we were about 9 and 4. He would use my Ken dolls, and I would use my Barbies to play together -- we had such a fun time!
We made different scenarios for our dolls throughout our childhood, which is what the company intended to do: burst every child's imagination. When I was about 12, I stopped playing with my Barbies, and I hid them all in my closet as if they were some type of treasure. It only took about two weeks for my brother to find them, change their clothes, paint their faces with markers, and stamp lots of stickers onto my Barbie car. Now that I analyze it, I have realized that Barbies weren't made exclusively for girls!
2016 is the year that Mattel has decided to increase that level of magic in every kid even more. The company has worked hard to satisfy the suggestions of parents and children after hearing comments that the image of Barbie was making many little girls self-conscious about their appearance from a very young age. The new line that is being launched is projecting a new idea that looks a lot more like the women of today. The body size has changed into different types, such as curvy, petite, and tall. The variety of skin colors evolved, and now the lineup includes 24 new eye and hair colors. The look of these new dolls is guaranteed to make girls feel more independent, confident, smart, and beautiful.
Growing up, I never really paid attention to beauty standards -- however, I always related more to the brunette dolls. I cannot imagine what other little girls with different cultural backgrounds feel like when they repeatedly see human-like toys that don't resemble their own body. Barbie is finally amazing the crowds that demanded realistic body ideals rather than a 6-foot tall doll with the fronts and backs of an angel.
Light skin or dark skin, brown eyes or blue eyes, blonde hair or blue hair, curvy or petite, tall or short -- Barbie has now made it possible for every girl to have a small role model to accompany her until she reaches the goals of her bright future.
If this is not cool, I don't know what is.
