Critically examine the argument that Barbie represents middle-class, white emphatic femininity.

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Critically examine the argument that Barbie represents middle-class, white ‘emphatic’ femininity. Blonde hair, blue-eyed 11.5 inches tall and the easily the most popular doll for sale in the world. Debuted in 1959 Barbie turns 50 this year and still continues to dominate the toy doll market. ‘According to the manufacturer, every three seconds a Barbie doll is purchased. Barbie has been said to touch every girl's life’ (Rogers, 1999). She is everywhere and with this has become more than a toy - she is a cultural icon. So it is little surprise that the controversy and cultural issues Barbie has raised are extensive. She is a commodity that is loaded with ideology; feminists, parents and critics have all raised questions and others hailed issues raised by Barbie as a role model a representation of femininity, sexuality, racialisation and consumerism. It is often implied that Barbie represents white middle class emphatic femininity but in this essay I will to attempt critically demonstrate that this is not actually the case and will explore issues that help prove otherwise. Throughout time Barbie has evolved extensively to meet society’s needs and stay as the world’s number one doll. Since the late 50’s when Barbie was first released Barbie has been adapted ‘Very much responding to contemporary fashion, youth culture, and notions of ‘Lifestyle’, she underwent a number of constructional changes. These included a swivel waist for dancing (1969), a whole range of movable bodily joints for the ‘New Living Barbie’ (1970), hands that could hold accessories such as a telephone or portable TV (1972), and a ‘Free Moving Barbie’ mechanism which allowed her to wield a tennis racket or golf club.’ Editor Britannica Concise Encyclopaedia. 5 decades later Barbie has had many respectable careers, was divorced in 2004, is completely independent and relies on no man. This

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