Barbie Dreamland

Blonde Hair – Race

Blue Eyes – Race

Ken Doll – Sexuality

Breasts – Gender

Imitation Diamond Jewelry – Class

Gown and Tuxedo – Gender

Barbie’s Make up – Gender

           

            Barbie is an iconic brand worldwide. Although Barbie is simply a toy, she is recognized as a major influential example for young girls from the age of five to early adolescence. From her style of dress, current occupation, down to her relationship with Ken, she is constantly criticized and judged. Barbie would be the perfect cultural artifact because she herself is the image of women. There is a Barbie that caters to every race and creed. There is also a Barbie that represents several if not all occupations. For example, she is a doctor, teacher, designer, or veterinarian. Her male counterpart Ken represents the relationship between men and women in our society. These simple toys are truly an identical depiction of our lifestyle and societal hierarchy.

            Originally, Barbie was a blonde hair, blue eyed woman in a fifties style swim suite. During a very racist time in America, Barbie represented the face of the favored race. She was what was considered beautiful at the time. Her thin physique, full breasts, and long legs were every woman’s desire. Barbie’s face was thin and made up with lipstick, eye shadow and blush to highlight her ultra feminine features. The long, thick, blonde hair and sparkling blue eyes were the icing on the cake for beauty. Barbie was the woman that had it all. The problem was, every girl in America did not possess these features especially Barbie’s Caucasian heritage. Blonde hair and blue eyes may be considered beautiful, but the majority does not possess them. Therefore, Barbie had a long way to go before she became the icon she is today.

            Barbie’s relationship with her male counterpart, Ken, is arguably one of the greatest romances of all time. They are the perfect example of a stereotypical heterosexual relationship. The couple was almost always depicted in a home together, on a date, or with their children. The traditional family is made up of two parents and children. This to many people would be considered a positive influence because it is encouraging the dynamic of the nuclear family. Almost every young girl has dreams of getting married and starting a family. In their world, there was no such thing as homosexuality, divorce and domestic violence. Barbie and Ken resided in the dreamland that every consumer desired.

            The world of Barbie tells the tale of the path that every person embarks on in life. For example, Barbie maintained a career, friendships, marriage, children and building homes. If someone knew nothing about the culture of people who inhabit this earth and caught a glimpse of her, they would get a good image of what our society is all about.