Looking at this photo, you see some serious Barbie energy. Anyone looking from the outside might see three beautiful women having a great time supporting a good cause. What you don’t see are the emotional breakdowns and anxiety that happened to us all before the event. The insecurities we all expressed. The way we picked ourselves apart and criticized our imperfections. The way we all felt the impossible Barbie standards and how we felt we didn’t measure up. Unfortunately, Barbie has set an unrealistic standard for many, something impossible to obtain.
Welcome to the Barbie Party
Barbie! Oh, how I loved playing with you! She is such an iconic doll that was a staple in my childhood and countless others since its creation in 1959. She has undoubtedly left a huge mark on popular culture. However, beneath the glitz and glamour, there lies a darker issue that has garnered increasing attention over the years – the unrealistic expectations that Barbie sets for young children and how that follows us into adulthood. While Barbie has undoubtedly evolved to become more diverse and inclusive, it has a long history of unattainable beauty ideals and lifestyles. Let’s dive into how Barbie has set a lot of unrealistic expectations and the impact this has had on generations of young minds.
No One Can Measure Up, Literally
One of the most glaring issues with Barbie is its portrayal of an unrealistic body image. The original Barbie doll featured proportions that were far removed from reality, with an impossibly tiny waist, long legs, and a disproportionately large bust.
Barbie Facts:
“ If Barbie were an actual women, she would be 5’9” tall, have a 39” bust, an 18” waist, 33” hips and a size 3 shoe!”
— Chapman University
“Barbie calls this a “full figure” and likes her weight at 110 lbs. ”
— chapman university
“At 5’9” tall and weighing 110 lbs, Barbie would have a BMI of 16.24 and fit the weight criteria for anorexia.”
— Chapman university
“If Barbie were a real woman, she’d have to walk on all fours due to her proportions.”
— chapman university
“Slumber Party Barbie was introduced in 1965 and came with a bathroom scale permanently set at 110 lbs with a book entitled “How to Lose Weight” with directions inside stating simply “Don’t eat.””
— chapman university
Research has shown that this distorted body image can contribute to low self-esteem, body dissatisfaction, and even eating disorders among young girls who internalize these ideals. Though Mattel, the company behind Barbie, has introduced more diverse body types in recent years, the legacy of the original doll's unrealistic body image still lingers.
Glamorization of Materialism
What child playing with Barbie didn’t want the Barbie Convertable? It was probably the most coveted item in the Barbie world in my group of friends. Barbie's glamorous lifestyle has often been associated with a world of excess and materialism. From her luxurious dream house to her extensive wardrobe, Barbie's possessions and lifestyle create the impression that happiness is intrinsically tied to material wealth. This messaging can inadvertently teach children that their self-worth is determined by the possessions they own rather than their character, skills, or relationships. This unrealistic portrayal of affluence fails to teach the importance of values such as empathy, kindness, and resilience.
Narrow Career Aspirations
While Barbie has expanded her horizons to include various professions over the years, the diversity of career options she represents remains limited. Historically, Barbie dolls were often depicted in roles such as models, fashion designers, and beauty queens. This narrow focus on traditionally "feminine" careers can inadvertently limit young girls' aspirations and perpetuate gender stereotypes. While there have been efforts to introduce dolls with different careers, the long-standing association with certain professions can still shape young minds' perceptions of what is possible for them.
Focus on Physical Appearance over Personality
One year for Christmas, my mom gave my daughter this incredible Barbie House. It had everything: a shower that, when you pushed a button, you could hear the water flowing and a closet that also featured Barbie ‘s voice pondering what to wear. It seemed pretty innocent until I heard what Barbie was saying. During the shower, Barbie could only sing, “La, la, la…La, la, la.” Apparently, Barbie had absolutely no deep thoughts in the shower. But, worse than that was what Barbie pondered in the closet, “Hummm, I wonder if Ken will like my outfit.”
Barbie's emphasis on physical appearance and needing the approval of Ken overshadowed the importance of inner qualities, such as intelligence, creativity, and personality. The doll's primary focus on fashion, hair, and makeup can send the message that these are the most critical aspects of a person's identity. This can inadvertently undermine the development of a well-rounded sense of self-worth and self-esteem based on a person's abilities and character.
Conclusion
While Barbie has undergone significant changes in recent years to become more inclusive and diverse, the unrealistic expectations it set for generations of children cannot be ignored. The impact of these expectations, from body image ideals to career aspirations, has influenced how young minds perceive themselves and the world around them. As we move forward, it's essential to continue questioning the messages that toys like Barbie convey and work toward creating a more balanced and positive portrayal of identity, self-worth, and potential for future generations.
