For generations, little girls have been playing with Barbie as they were growing up. Barbie has been seen as the ideal image of the all American girl. But what is the all American girl suppose to look like?
When I was growing up, I played with many different types of barbies. However, they were mostly blonde hair, blue eyed, pink lipstick and came with all the right clothes. There was also, Ken, her lover and Kelly, the younger teenage version of her who was also blonde hair and blue eyed. The new African American Barbies are named Grace, Kara and Trichelle. They were created with more African American like features, including fuller lips and curlier hair. Many people are cheering on the dolls and others disagree saying that the dolls should have an afro or braids, which is more common among African American woman. I believe they should extend the hair styles and allow her to have long black hair, short black hair, afroes, braids and everything! Barbie comes with one hair style, I don't think it's that big of a deal...
Many people can think that the black barbie is unrealistic but honestly, I think it's a good idea. For younger chilren to accept their color and not question why they're different. I didn't have a black barbie... nevertheless, an Asian barbie unless it was Sporty Spice from Spice Girls but I only pretended she was Asian because her hair was black. Besides judging it and giving it mixed reviews, children are simple. They're happy with whatever they can get and what can help them identify themselves.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/10/21/black.barbies.irpt/index.html
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i agree with you; they should make Barbies in all different skin shades, because beauty and Americans come in all different skin shades. However, there is still a notion that blonde white girls are the epitome of what is beautiful, but hopefully this notion will be erased from social stigma soon; the creation of the black Barbies is certainly a step in the right direction. This will influence younger girls to see beauty and Americanness beyond Caucasian features.
ReplyDeleteI agree too its pretty sad how adults are freaking out that their kids dolls dont look like them when all the kids want to do it play! I had a few American Dolls growing up and they were really different then the typical doll because you could customize their hair color, length, eye color and skin tone to make them look like you. A lot of hype is also coming into play with the fact that Disney is releasing its first movie with a black princess. Lastly i read something the other day that made me nuts, they want to make Barbie skinnier so she looks more like the average girl...come on who is 5'9 with huge boobs, perfect hair, and itty bitty waist?
ReplyDeleteThis is a good topic. I agree with you. Playing with a doll does not teach a child about social tolerance and self-images. Just like you stated in your blog, a child is unaware of the images that adults put on others. Teaching children to have a good self esteem starts with the parents. We shouldn't have to cater to everyone's sensitivities, it's just too impossible.
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