It’s a Barbie World: The Fallout (Part 2)

Jan 23

Part 2 of Barbie is here! This week, we explore the evolution and the fallout she faced during the '90s and beyond.

Barbie starts as a symbol of childhood innocence, transcending racial boundaries. But as societal norms change, critiques against the iconic doll surface. Especially in the ‘90s, Barbie encounters significant backlash, particularly regarding body image concerns, lack of racial representation, and potential impact on young girls' self-esteem. This era becomes a battleground for Barbie's symbolic representation.

We explore the influence of third-wave feminism, emerging in the mid-'90s, which aims to challenge and redefine concepts of womanhood, gender, beauty, and sexuality. Because of this, Barbie becomes a focal point of criticism as third-wave feminists actively challenge seemingly sexist images and symbols.

As we transition into the fourth wave of feminism around 2012, discussions on issues like sexual harassment, body shaming, and rape culture gain prominence. Barbie faces ongoing criticism despite attempts by Mattel to diversify the doll line and address concerns related to body image and gender stereotypes.

We highlight Mattel's efforts to adapt Barbie's image and product line over the years, addressing concerns such as lack of diversity, inclusion of disabilities, and misogynistic undertones. We also delve into the pervasive critique of Barbie's unrealistic body image, backed by studies showing the potential influence on girls' body image perceptions. Despite efforts to introduce more diverse body types, challenges persist, and societal messaging about ideal body shapes continues to shape cultural norms.

In part 3 of the Barbie series, we look at Barbie’s comeback—the Reclamation!

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Resources:

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Barbie

https://www.britannica.com/topic/feminism/The-third-wave-of-feminism

https://www.businessinsider.com/barbie-history-mattel-ruth-handler-ken-doll-toy-fashion-movie

https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-features/barbie-controversies-greta-gerwig-mattel-ruth-handler-sex-doll-sexism-racism-1234792205/

https://medium.com/the-polis/barbie-consumerism-historical-evolution-and-the-pervasive-spectre-of-racial-politics-ec6479ca250e

https://clioandthecontemporary.com/2023/08/10/barbie-through-the-decades-a-history-of-barbie-feminism-and-the-new-barbie-movie/#:~:text=Like%20the%20feminism%20discussed%20in,to%20their%20own%20bank%20accounts

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-65388131

https://www.thenationalnews.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/2023/07/20/barbie-a-brief-history-of-the-doll-through-the-ages/#:~:text=However%2C%20it%20wasn't%20until,of%20various%20nationalities%20and%20ethnicities

https://www.today.com/popculture/types-of-barbies-rcna94143