The new Barbie ad is cute, funny and most importantly, empowering.
If you have not already seen the new Barbie advertisement, “Imagine the Possibilities."
In only two minutes, Barbie was able to create content that empowers women and girls through humor and a spark of imagination. Ultimately, the video reminds girls of one central message: you can be anything.
Below are some highlights from the adorable Barbie video:
1. It speaks to children and adults.
The video itself features more adults than children. This isn’t one of those advertisements you see on Nickelodeon. The video involves a hidden camera capturing adult’s reactions to little girls filling in professional roles. While adults are usually doing the purchasing of children’s’ toys, it is important for companies work to earn adult’s approval. Not only did Barbie advertise their dolls, but they instilled inspiration in viewer’s hearts.
2. It is a response to years of criticism.
Over the last few years, Barbie has dealt with their fair share of criticism. People turned on the iconic 56-year-old company, stating concerns about the doll’s body proportions and unrealistic beauty standards. As part of the criticisms, new versions of the doll were created to better represent a “realistic” girl in doll form. The Barbie video turns the focus on the intellectual and imaginative value that their dolls offer children.
3. It chips away at the idea of male-dominated professions.
The young girls in the video work as many different professions, ranging from a college professor to a rugby coach. Not only is the video an encouragement for girls to follow their dreams, but it suggests that there is no limit to their goals. Because it’s true: “male dominated professions” are a thing of the past. The video gives light to the fact that children can do and be whatever they want to, and imagination is the first step.
4. It reminds us to always “imagine the possibilities”.
The title of this video says it all. In two minutes, Barbie was able to illustrate all the things that can happen when girls are free to imagine they can be anything.
