Monday, December 7, 2009

barbie world

With the holidays right around the corner, I feel like now would be the perfect time to talk TOYS!!! Specifically, Barbie. The iconic, over-idealized, materialistic, "perfect" woman that girls across the world aspire to have and to hold. With so much negative criticism surrounding the most popular doll for sale, I found myself wondering..what does Barbie say about diversity?










In 1967 Francie was considered the first African American Barbie doll to hit stores. Although her debute was clouded with controversy as Francie's mold was an exact replcia of the white Barbie doll--the only physical change was the color of her skin. Alterations have since been made in the doll's hair and facial features to depict more authentic characteristics--the So In Style line of Barbies--includes new fashion forward BFF's: Grace, Kara and Trichelle .
One year later Steffie was introduced, she was the first Hispanic doll which actually featured a "Steffie" head mold--the same that was used on the Hawaiian Barbie later in the 70s.
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2 comments:

  1. TiffanyDecember 10, 2009 at 7:35 AM

    I don't know if you read a blog I posted a while ago, but they actually came out with a "ghetto barbie" and it caused quite the controversy. Maybe it is just me but I feel like Barbie has lost some popularity amongst kids since when I was litte.

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  2. shayna on diversityDecember 11, 2009 at 2:53 PM

    well, once bratz came on the market, it seemed like little girls lost interest in barbie. i don't know if i like bratz, even if they are more racially diverse (which they are). their heads are just too big.

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