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The evolution of Barbie’s design over the years

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A look at how the iconic doll has evolved to better reflect the times over decades

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Designed for kids to learn about emotional and social skills

Kids can have cultural awareness and learn about diversity

Provides a beneficial influence and makes a great role model for young children

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The Barbie company causes girls to have low self-esteem

Encourages body dysmorphia

"Objectified girls"

Unrealistic beauty standards

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Their mailing address is 333 Continental Boulevard El Segundo, CA 90245 USA

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Written by: , M.S., LMHC, LPC, CCBT

Barbie dolls have been around since 1959, but it's not until the has been released that there has been a huge craze. The recent Barbie movie has sparked a ton of conversation over the last few months, even before the film opened in theatres for viewing. Many people have positive and negative experiences with someone who loved the doll or the iconic Barbie doll. Were they just toys, or did the designer have an agenda? Were they created to empower young women, or were they designed to promote feminism? Did Barbie put a sealed stamp of approval in a young girl's mind of the working woman? Whether or not someone played with Barbies, we have seen the opinions over the last few months.

Who is Barbie?

The Controversy!

Side A:

Despite her extensive evolution, Barbie remains a subject of criticism. Detractors argue that the doll perpetuates unrealistic beauty standards, emphasizing a slim figure, flawless features, and unattainable perfection. Critics claim these ideals can negatively impact a young girl's and , fostering insecurities and self-doubt. Another point of contention revolves around Barbie's portrayal of femininity. Some argue that her emphasis on fashion, beauty, and materialism strengthens stereotypes and limits girls' aspirations. They claim that Barbie fails to empower young girls to pursue careers in male-dominated fields or engage in activities traditionally seen as "boyish."

Side B:

Should We Choose A Side?

As with any debated topic, it is essential to strike a balance between the viewpoints surrounding Barbie. Rather than viewing Barbie as either a friend or a foe, an understanding approach can be adopted. Barbie's ability to evolve and adapt, showcasing more diverse representations, should not be overlooked. However, it is also crucial to remain vigilant and address any potential negative impact on and aspirations. Ultimately, Barbie's influence on young minds depends on various factors such as parental guidance, exposure to diverse role models, and promoting a broader definition of beauty and success. By combining critical thinking and fostering healthy conversations with children, we can help them navigate the Barbie phenomenon and develop a balanced perspective.

So, is Barbie a friend or a foe? The answer may lie in the complexity of individual experiences, societal influences, and the messages we promote. Whether you find yourself on sides A or B, listening to others to maintain an educated stance with or against Barbie is a great idea. If you struggle with addressing the pros and cons as a parent, don't be afraid to ask others for objective thoughts, and if further assistance is warranted, reach out to a for guidance. Like anything else, children will either identify with Barbie or they won't. People have grown up either accepting what they think Barbie represents or ignoring or denying it. Either way, the concept of Barbie is just one possibility of what our youth can aspire to. Nothing more and nothing less.

Note : This blog post aims to explore the controversy surrounding Barbie. The arguments presented represent different viewpoints and should not be considered definitive.

Written by: , M.S., LMHC, LPC, CCBT

Barbie dolls have been around since 1959, but it's not until the has been released that there has been a huge craze. The recent Barbie movie has sparked a ton of conversation over the last few months, even before the film opened in theatres for viewing. Many people have positive and negative experiences with someone who loved the doll or the iconic Barbie doll. Were they just toys, or did the designer have an agenda? Were they created to empower young women, or were they designed to promote feminism? Did Barbie put a sealed stamp of approval in a young girl's mind of the working woman? Whether or not someone played with Barbies, we have seen the opinions over the last few months.

Who is Barbie?

The Controversy!

Side A:

Despite her extensive evolution, Barbie remains a subject of criticism. Detractors argue that the doll perpetuates unrealistic beauty standards, emphasizing a slim figure, flawless features, and unattainable perfection. Critics claim these ideals can negatively impact a young girl's and , fostering insecurities and self-doubt. Another point of contention revolves around Barbie's portrayal of femininity. Some argue that her emphasis on fashion, beauty, and materialism strengthens stereotypes and limits girls' aspirations. They claim that Barbie fails to empower young girls to pursue careers in male-dominated fields or engage in activities traditionally seen as "boyish."

Side B:

Should We Choose A Side?

As with any debated topic, it is essential to strike a balance between the viewpoints surrounding Barbie. Rather than viewing Barbie as either a friend or a foe, an understanding approach can be adopted. Barbie's ability to evolve and adapt, showcasing more diverse representations, should not be overlooked. However, it is also crucial to remain vigilant and address any potential negative impact on and aspirations. Ultimately, Barbie's influence on young minds depends on various factors such as parental guidance, exposure to diverse role models, and promoting a broader definition of beauty and success. By combining critical thinking and fostering healthy conversations with children, we can help them navigate the Barbie phenomenon and develop a balanced perspective.

So, is Barbie a friend or a foe? The answer may lie in the complexity of individual experiences, societal influences, and the messages we promote. Whether you find yourself on sides A or B, listening to others to maintain an educated stance with or against Barbie is a great idea. If you struggle with addressing the pros and cons as a parent, don't be afraid to ask others for objective thoughts, and if further assistance is warranted, reach out to a for guidance. Like anything else, children will either identify with Barbie or they won't. People have grown up either accepting what they think Barbie represents or ignoring or denying it. Either way, the concept of Barbie is just one possibility of what our youth can aspire to. Nothing more and nothing less.

Note : This blog post aims to explore the controversy surrounding Barbie. The arguments presented represent different viewpoints and should not be considered definitive.

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Barbie: Friend or Foe? Unraveling the Controversy Surrounding the Iconic Doll

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Written by: Amanda Levison, M.S., LMHC, LPC, CCBTBarbie dolls have been around since 1959, but it's not until the new Barbie movie has been released that there has been a huge craze. The recent Barbie movie has sparked a ton of conversation over the last few months, even before the film opened in theatres for viewing.

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Topic Question: Should Mattel continue producing dolls that have “unrealistic beauty standards”?

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Topic Question: Should Mattel continue producing dolls that have “unrealistic beauty standards”?

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1. Barbie was a part of many little girls' childhoods.

2. The controversy with Barbie is whether she has unrealistic beauty standards or she is a positive role model on little girls.

3. People have mixed opinions about the controversy of Barbie.

4. To this day, little girls still play with Barbie dolls

5. Detractors emphasize on the fact that the doll has unrealistic beauty standards

6. The following include: a slim figure, flawless features, and overall perfection

7. Critics believe that these causes can harm a young girl’s perspective on her body

8. This is the starting point for insecurities to develop

9. Another problem is “Barbie’s portrayal of femininity”

10. Claims that Barbie fails to set standards for little girls to go into careers that are seen as “boyish” or “male-dominated”

11. However, proponents heavily advocate that Barbie provides a positive outlook for young girls

12. The doll “encourages imagination, creativity, and exploration”

13. Her ability to be versatile in many careers encourage little girls achieve their goals

14. Barbie displays diversity throughout their doll designs

15. Parents play a crucial part with their children’s point of view on Barbie

16. This gives an opportunity for children to have clear and transparent conversations about inner qualities, body image issues, and beauty standards.

17. Kids can learn the importance of having desirable traits instead of a perfect figure

18. It is important for kids to have a healthy perspective on Barbie

19. Yes, Barbie does have some setbacks but also amazing impacts on the youth

20. Whatever you believe in, we should not make fun or anyone for their beliefs

21. Barbie is simply a way of how little girls or anyone expresses themselves

22. At the end of the day, Barbie is there to aspire our youth.

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We invited teenagers to weigh in on all things Barbie — the doll, the movie, the cultural phenomenon. Here’s what they had to say.

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Their email is CR.TS@mattel.com

Their customer service number can be reached at 1 (888) 892-6123 Monday-Friday 9am-6pm eastern time or for Mattel corporate and brand media inquires, call (310)-252-2000

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Many students displayed their thoughts on Barbie

Barbie was a part of many young girls’ childhoods

She was an amazing role model and someone said “if barbie could, I could too”

Nostalgic for many people

When adolescents see their old barbie dolls, they still have a delight playing with them

Addison from Bentonville west high school pointed out that “So many people thought you had to be perfect like Barbie to get the jobs you want, but that’s not what it was. It showed that women could be in positions of power no matter being a woman.”

The movie opened up a refreshing point of view on Barbie

Sofia from Claremont High School emphasizes, "realize that she wanted her own life and not one that was made for her, truly opened my eyes to Barbie’s meaning."

The movie impacted her by her perception that girls really can be anything they set their mind to

In addition the movie made a person claim that when you're feminine, it doesn't take away from your true self

You can do anything and be happy without having to listen to negative comments

Barbie impacted a person by teaching them to appreciate their culture and cherish it

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The first Barbie doll was made on March 9, 1959 and the inventor is Ruth Handler.

People were skeptical of Barbie, but she was a hit!

In 1961, Barbie was criticized for her petite figure

New characters like Ken and Christie were created

In the 1970s, Barbie had a drastic change and another design was declined because of “unrealistic figure”

In 1980s, Mattel launched Latino, Black, and Ken dolls

In the 1990s, Baribie ran for president with her big hair and bright colors

The 2000s consisted of Barbie having her first movie, breaking up with Ken, and she became pregnant.

This caused many retailers such as Walmart refuse to sell the doll

In the 2010s, the Barbie industry had many accomplishments such as making the cover of time magazine.

Mattel also crafted a line up of diverse dolls that came in different skin tones, body types, and many features such as eyes or hair.

In the present day, Mattel made a doll representing down syndrome

Barbie has become an amazing representation for young children