American culture has defined the ideal woman. She must be tall and thin. She must have perfect hair and no imperfections. If she is not a supermodel, she must resemble one. These superficial characteristics create angst among teenage girls as everywhere they look they encounter images of “flawless” actresses and supermodels, which gloss our TV screens and magazine covers. Rarely is an image not photoshopped to create an “ideal” image, which is not an achievable reality for either the subject of the image or for an average American woman. Also, the image of what constitutes a beautiful woman in the eyes of many is seen in toys marketed for young girls such as Barbie dolls, produced by Mattel, instead of being characterized on inner beauty.
Although the American image of women continues to be skewed, Mattel announced this week that it will launch a collection of Barbie dolls available in curvy, tall and petite sizes. Mattel will continue to sell dolls of different races and hair colors, in addition to the major change of shape and size. This marks a step forward in highlighting the problem of body image issues in girls by providing options toy options for young girls that will allow them to see themselves as beautiful. This mass marketing strategy places Mattel at the forefront of change in creating an environment where girls can see that the actresses and supermodels that color the public image is a rarity. It should supply girls with confidence in themselves at a critical age in life. The hope is to open the eyes of the younger generations that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Mattel is making a statement about the importance of the common saying that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, yet the question arises: is this change coming too late? Change is welcome at any time. However, it does seem to come late in the game. I grew up playing with the one size, attractive, ideal image of a woman Barbie doll with my sister. The dolls did not influence the way I perceived myself, however, I do think that having different, more real versions of women in such a common toy that girls play with is a welcome change. I do wish that different options had been available for me when I was younger, but I believe that the launching of the new collection will be a good conversation starter of what defines what is beautiful. It allows different interpretations on beauty, as it is not solely a physical depiction, but most importantly an inner conviction. I believe that although Mattel is taking strides in changing the perception of physical beauty, inner beauty is what needs to be seen. No doll, no matter what shape or size, can change our perception of inner beauty. It is more important to be a beautiful, special person on the inside than to achieve outer beauty.
Beauty has become a social construct that dictates the way we perceive ourselves. I believe that beauty is more than a physical depiction as when you find solidity in who you are your life becomes wonderful and full. It is being happy with who you are as a person, not only the way that you look. It is more beautiful to exude confidence in who you are than to look a certain way. When you find peace within yourself you are more beautiful than you ever know. The new line of Barbie dolls opens the door for girls to focus less on the physical nature of the doll and its “perfections” and instead inspire imagination and creativity. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and is more importantly in the heart of the individual and the way you live life.
