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What is a Barbie Doll?

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

The Barbie doll is one of the world’s best selling dolls, and is one of Mattel’s best known products. Since 1959, the Barbie has been an enormous source of revenue for the company. Backlashes against the fashion-conscious doll have been consistent in the wake of the Women’s Rights Movement, and Barbie dolls have received continual criticism for their portrayal of women.

Annoyed by the fact that most dolls were representations of babies, Ruth Handler, the wife of Mattel co-founder Elliot Handler, suggested an adult doll. Basing her concept on a similar German doll named Bild Lilli, Ruth Handler eventually convinced reluctant Mattel directors that a market existed for a fashion-based doll. In 1959, the Barbie doll was introduced at the American National Toy Fair.

Barbies have been criticized for being sexually provocative and for demonstrating an unrealistic portrayal of female beauty.
Barbies have been criticized for being sexually provocative and for demonstrating an unrealistic portrayal of female beauty.

The original doll came as a long-haired blond or brunette in a zebra-print swimsuit. Additional outfits were available for purchase, and meant to conform to current American fashion trends. In the first year of availability, over 350,000 Barbies were sold. Realizing the potential of the market, Mattel quickly began releasing companion dolls for Barbie, the first being her boyfriend, Ken. Other popular early friends included Barbie’s younger sister Skipper, and her best friend, Midge.

Critics believe Barbie dolls can enforce harmful ideas about body image on impressionable young girls.
Critics believe Barbie dolls can enforce harmful ideas about body image on impressionable young girls.

The controversy over Barbie dolls began almost immediately, as the dolls were considered sexually provocative and an unrealistic portrayal of female beauty. Statistics studies suggest that were a Barbie doll on a normal human scale, she would be five feet nine inches tall (1.78 meters), have bust-waist-hip proportions of 36-18-33 inches (91-46-84 cm) and have so little body fat she would be unable to menstruate normally. Additionally, some early Babies came with scales set to 110 pounds (49.8 kg), more than 30 lbs (13.6 kg) underweight for a woman of her height. In 1997, the Barbie doll was redesigned to have somewhat more realistic proportions, but critics still believe the doll can enforce harmful ideas about body image on impressionable young girls.

Barbie's younger sister is named Skipper.
Barbie's younger sister is named Skipper.

Another controversial issue in the Barbie doll world regards the introduction of ethnic versions of the doll. Critics complain that black, Hispanic and Asian Barbie’s show no real ethnic characteristics of their races, but instead simply have a different skin color. Saudi Arabia banned Barbie dolls in 2003, suggesting that the doll was a bad influence and did not fit the ideals of women in Islamic religion. Alternative lines of dolls have been released by other toy companies attempting to create more life-like dolls.

Ken was released as a boyfriend companion doll for Barbie.
Ken was released as a boyfriend companion doll for Barbie.

Barbie collecting has become a major hobby around the world. Early and rare editions of Barbie dolls bring high prices at auctions. One of the most expensive Barbie doll purchases took place at a London auction in 2006, when a doll called “Barbie in Midnight Red” was sold for $17,000 US Dollars (USD.)

Despite the raging controversies over Barbie’s affect on society, the doll remains a cultural icon and incredibly successful toy. Since the 1960s, she has provided a catalog of styles and trends of American fashion and ideals. Despite what some critics wish, the Barbie doll is an important part of Americana, and is likely to continue her famous lifestyle.

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a Sports&Hobbies writer.

Learn more...
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a Sports&Hobbies writer.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Rotergirl

@Pippinwhite -- I remember that Barbie! She was beautiful. Back in the Dark Ages, if I managed to scrounge together a couple of dollars, I could go to KMart and buy an outfit or two. Mattel had a whole line of outfits then. I think they called them "budget" outfits or something like that. You usually got a dress or skirt, or a top and a pair of slacks, and maybe a pair of shoes. They were really cute clothes, too.

Once in a while, if I had birthday money, I could get one of the accessory packages, or a set of clothes that were mix and match. That was always a good day in my house.

Pippinwhite

Meh-- I don't think I suffered too much from playing with Barbie dolls when I was little. The best days of the year were Christmas and my birthday, because I could be pretty sure a new Barbie was going to arrive.

My favorite Barbie ever was my Ballerina Barbie-- the first generation version. She had such a beautiful face and real pointe shoes, and a white satin and tulle tutu. She came with a bouquet of roses, too. I was absolutely ecstatic when I got her for Christmas. I loved that Barbie and she was my most faithful imaginary playmate. We danced many concerts together.

bumgenius

The world of barbie dolls is really wonderful.

anon196339

Buying barbie dolls is a fashion and barbie dolls are the world's best selling dolls.

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    • Barbies have been criticized for being sexually provocative and for demonstrating an unrealistic portrayal of female beauty.
      Barbies have been criticized for being sexually provocative and for demonstrating an unrealistic portrayal of female beauty.
    • Critics believe Barbie dolls can enforce harmful ideas about body image on impressionable young girls.
      Critics believe Barbie dolls can enforce harmful ideas about body image on impressionable young girls.
    • Barbie's younger sister is named Skipper.
      Barbie's younger sister is named Skipper.
    • Ken was released as a boyfriend companion doll for Barbie.
      Ken was released as a boyfriend companion doll for Barbie.