Barbie Now Comes In All Shapes And Sizes
Barbie has been around for decades. These dolls have become a staple in most kids' toy collection. Dress her up, dress her down, give Barbie any life you dream. The imagination can soar with these dream dolls. In recent years though, Barbie has been scrutinized for having unrealistic features and body type. People feel as though Barbie, with her long legs, small waste and perfect face was giving young girls unrealistic standards to live up to.
Well, we have huge news! Mattel unveiled three new Barbie body types: petite, tall and curvy. They are all available on Barbie.com, along with the original doll. Each doll also comes in a variety of skin colors and hair styles. Now, with Barbie's help, we can celebrate individuality!
Time magazine broke the news with an exclusive cover story by Eliana Dockterman.
"The company hopes that the new dolls, with their diverse body types, along with the new skin tones and hair textures introduced last year, will more closely reflect their young owners’ world," writes Dockterman.
Many studies have shown that the 'old' Barbie can have a negative effect on children's self esteem. A lot of girls may idolize the perfect doll, but looking like her isn't possible... or desired anymore for that matter.
"American beauty ideals have evolved," Dockterman writes. "The curvaceous bodies of Kim Kardashian West, Beyoncé and Christina Hendricks have become iconic, while millennial feminist leaders like Lena Dunham are deliberately baring their un-Barbie-like figures onscreen, fueling a movement that promotes body acceptance."
While these Barbies are far from matching every body and type, the new changes are on the right track. It's hard to get a doll that looks like EVERYONE. But the new diverse dolls help teach a very valuable lesson... we are all different, and that's OK!
“Ultimately, haters are going to hate,” Mattel President told Time. "We want to make sure the Barbie lovers love us more -- and perhaps changing the people who are negative to neutral. That would be nice."
H/T Time