The Barbie Doll Syndrome

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Plastic I’m Not Our American society today is not measured by how beautiful one can be on the inside; rather people are measured by how much they weigh, how flawless they look, and the clothes that they wear. We should all be striving to be better people rather than comparing ourselves to a plastic doll. We can thank Barbie for giving the American culture this way of thinking. “ The Barbie doll serves as an icon that symbolically conveys to children and adults that measures of success in modern America: wealth, beauty, popularity, and leisure. (Motz)” Barbie, who is this plastic figure, beautifully made and without any imperfections has created an image for young girls to look up to. She has become a role model, and a fantasized figure that many girls dream of looking like one day. “Barbie is seen as a typical young lady of the twentieth century, who know how to appreciate beautiful things, and at the same time live life to the fullest. The adventures of Barbie offers glimpse of what they might achieve one day. If Barbie has a message at all of us, it is to ignore the gloomy outlook of others and concentrate on all those carefree days of youth. Whatever lies in store for us will come sooner or later, said in a 1983 sticker album copyrighted by Mattel (Motz).” Throughout Barbie’s career, she has taught the consumers to wear appropriate clothing and have fitting accessories for all activities, while looking completely fashionable. Barbie is constantly keeping young children up to date on the latest fashion trends. This image gives the America culture a visual picture of what the American dream women should look like. For example back in 1959 Barbie threw out the ponytail look and gave herself the Jackie Kennedy “Bubble-cut” style and “Ken (Barbie’s significant other) in the 1960’s had a Beatle wig, guitar and microphone. (Motz)” The young lady miniature

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