Barbie is an American icon, a business phenomenon, and a real doll.
Since her introduction on March 9, 1959, Mattel has sold more than 1 billion Barbie dolls, nearly 100 million of those last year alone.
She is the ultimate career woman who can do it all; a strong, single woman (she dumped Ken in 2004); and a three-time presidential candidate.
Along the way she has inspired the ambitions of countless little girls.
Lately, her age hasn’t stopped her from catching flak from women’s groups.
First, Barbie had to strut her stuff on the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue in a sexy one-piece. That one created an outrage among females who are obviously jealous of her unattainable figure and impossibly long legs.
Her latest move has her being a corporate sponsored icon on, of all things a Girl Scout patch. A real, work-for-it Girl Scout Patch that shows an achievement in the world of Barbie.
It would be like the Boy Scouts handing out a patch for those who work hard at obtaining the apex of achievement interacting with their G.I. Joe doll.
Two consumer advocacy groups want the patch — and the commercial tie-in with Girl Scouts — nixed. While the patch does not show a Barbie doll, it shows the familiar Barbie logo.
“Holding Barbie, the quintessential fashion doll, up as a role model for Girl Scouts simultaneously sexualizes young girls, idealizes an impossible body type and undermines the Girl Scouts’ vital mission,” says Susan Linn, director of Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood. Another consumer group, Center for a New American Dream, is joining in the protest.
Barbie Facts & Technology
The Barbie doll was invented in 1959 by Ruth Handler (co-founder of Mattel), whose own daughter was called Barbara. Barbie was introduced to the world at the American Toy Fair in New York City. Barbie’s original job was teenage fashion doll.
The full name of the first doll was Barbie Millicent Roberts, from Willows, Wisconsin. However, the doll has been made in versions connected to over 125 different careers. These include serving in all branches of the military, ballerina, and President of the United States.
About the only thing Barbie can’t do is write her name in the snow, but Mattel might be working on that version.
You’ve come a long way, Baby!
Disclaimer: On January 4, 2016, the owner of WestEastonPA.com began serving on the West Easton Council following an election. Postings and all content found on this website are the opinions of Matthew A. Dees and may not necessarily represent the opinion of the governing body for The Borough of West Easton.
