Come on Barbie, Let’s Go Party
It’s the 50th anniversary of the Barbie doll this year and this has sent many into a tizzy. In fact, today is Barbie’s birthday (March 9, 1959). I’ve been reading countless articles about how the authors would never show up to Barbie’s birthday party because of what she represents. How, they wonder, could Barbie be just so perfect and not have any signs of aging after 50 years?
I think it’s kind of silly how offended people are getting over a doll’s beauty. What’s this jealousy over a doll’s figure? If you have such a problem with the doll, then don’t give the makers of this perfection a dime! Blame Mattel, not Barbie.
I understand the whole role model issue and how this image can make people feel they need to look a certain way, but honestly I really believe that it’s your self-confidence and your upbringing that helps you overcome the “norms” imposed by society. After all, it isn’t just Barbie who makes women think they need to look a certain way. What about all the magazines, store catalogs, and billboards that have very thin models? Why isn’t anyone boycotting these symbols of beauty?
I must say that I’m not Barbie-like at all – I definitely have curves; I have short, brown hair; and my boyfriend definitely doesn’t resemble Ken. And I like it all that way. I don’t support imposing a certain look so that people will feel they need to look a certain way. I am, however, a fan of believing in yourself and accentuating the striking features you do have.
Beauty is definitely more than skin-deep, but unfortunately many people today may be affected by the opinions of others. Easier said than done is my mantra of believing in oneself and not conforming to society, but really it’s so true.
Beauty can be different things to different people. It’s more than just a stick-thin figure, no signs of aging, blonde hair, and a Ferrari. It’s who you are and, most importantly, how you perceive yourself. The physical appearance comes into play afterward. You can always play up your best features and use your beauty-educated contacts — makeup artists, hairdressers, wardrobe stylists — to help you enhance what you’ve got.
Please, girlfriends: Don’t take Barbie too seriously. You shouldn’t let a doll make you feel bad about yourself. Don’t discriminate against Barbie — it’s not her fault if she has a fast metabolism and has been moisturizing religiously for years. And if Barbie could speak, I bet she’d be jealous of some of our features. The grass is always greener on the other side.
Happy Birthday, Barbie!
SOUND OFF: What does beauty mean to YOU and how has YOUR perception of beauty changed since you were young?
-Amanda Fornecker
Photo: 1959 Teenage Fashion Model Barbie, courtesy of Barbie.com
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March 9th, 2009 at 3:20 pm
I was always a Barbie girl growing up, but I loved playing with Tonka trucks just as well. I don’t think Barbie can affect a child nearly as much as a sound, loving and nourishing environment; so I’m glad there’s a Barbie as much as there is a Mr. Potato Head. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder always. I don’t see individuals getting in a fuss over him, though. LOL — PS. Love your post!