By: Emily Carter
When I was a little girl, my favorite Barbie was the dazzling “Peaches n’ Cream.” She was everything you’d expect from an ’80s Barbie: a shimmering top, a billowing taffeta skirt in a lovely peach hue, and a stylish stole. Truly, she was “as beautiful as a peach blossom.”
However, as I grew older, something shifted. Between the catchy 1997 “Barbie Girl” song and my mid-20s, Barbie took on a negative image. Many women began to blame her for damaging young girls’ self-esteem. Articles criticized her, and the media painted her as a villain. I swore that if I ever had a daughter, Barbie would be a name we wouldn’t dare to utter.
Fast forward to now, my daughter is 4 years old, the perfect age to fall head over heels for Barbie. She’s constantly mentioning her, hunting for Barbie dolls at toy stores like a teenage crush, and somehow discovering Barbie cartoons on YouTube without any help from us. Just the other day at a birthday party, I caught her attempting to “borrow” (read: steal) the birthday girl’s Barbie gift. I had to take a step back and reconsider my earlier disdain. Perhaps I had misjudged Barbie. Was she really the villain I once thought?
So, I’ve decided to embrace the idea of buying my daughter a Barbie, and here’s why:
1. Barbie’s Impressive Career Portfolio
Barbie isn’t just a pretty face. Over her 64-year history, she has held 150 different careers and represented 40 nationalities. From her debut as a teenage model in 1959 to becoming everything from a fashion editor to a moon traveler, Barbie has shattered ceilings long before many of us even thought to.
2. Beyond the Looks
Despite her extensive accomplishments, Barbie is often reduced to her appearance. We rarely celebrate her achievements, like her time as a dentist. This reflects a broader societal issue where women’s capabilities are overshadowed by their looks.
3. The Judgment Game
We preach confidence and self-acceptance, yet we often criticize Barbie for her unrealistic proportions. Even if her body type is exaggerated, shouldn’t we allow her to live? After all, it’s her body, her choice.
4. A Symbol of Possibilities
Why not view Barbie as a symbol of ambition? She can represent a hard-working, empowered woman chasing her dreams—whether that’s driving her dream car or pursuing her ideal career. We don’t have to live her exact life to appreciate the message of aspiration.
5. Perspective Matters
The truth is, opinions vary. If you see Barbie as a superficial figure harming young girls’ self-esteem, then that’s what she becomes for you. Alternatively, if you choose to see her as a progressive figure who breaks barriers, then that’s precisely who she is. It’s all about perspective.
6. A Timeless Icon
In a world of fleeting trends, Barbie has genuinely stood the test of time. She’s been around for over six decades, outlasting numerous pop culture phenomena.
7. Beyond the Stereotype
You might picture the classic blonde Barbie, but the reality is that Mattel has diversified her image significantly. Check out the Barbie Boutique for various skin tones, hairstyles, and nationalities. Barbie is evolving, even if not perfectly.
8. Realities of Fandom
While some individuals undergo extreme transformations to look like Barbie, it’s essential to remember that they are not the majority. Most of us who loved Barbie as kids turned out just fine, living our lives without obsession.
9. Let’s Not Forget, She’s Just a Doll
Let’s keep in mind that at the end of the day, Barbie is just a doll—a toy my daughter will enjoy, and that my son might also play with. Our dog will likely have a few adventures with her too!
10. Self-Esteem Lessons
Ultimately, it’s not Barbie’s role to teach my daughter about self-esteem; that’s my responsibility. Research indicates that a mother’s influence is far more significant than any doll’s impact on a child’s confidence.
11. Teachable Moments
Barbie can serve as a great opportunity for lessons. Use her as a teaching tool to explain that she’s a toy meant for fun, while simultaneously demonstrating that you are a real woman—intelligent and kind—without the need for any enhancements.
So, as I prepare for the holiday season, I’m ready to dive back into my childhood and introduce my daughter to the world of Barbies.
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In summary, I’ve come to realize that Barbie can be a positive influence in my daughter’s life. With the right perspective, she can represent empowerment and ambition, rather than just beauty.