You guys, I’m at a loss.
I spent hours putting together a whole post about how they don’t have a fat Barbie, or a Barbie with a true afro, or a Barbie with a shaved head.
But then I found a Barbie with an afro.
And a Barbie with a shaved head.
And Barbies with ethnically diverse facial features.
So now I’m sitting here, deleting an hour and a half of blog work I jut did, all because the actual new Barbie offerings are far more diverse than the main pictures circulating the web.
Also I just really wanted to be mad at Mattel for all the years and years of promoting a fucked up ideal white body that literally no woman could possibly attain.
But…
While I do have some major excitement about the new Barbie dolls,
It’s not without some major setbacks.
Major Setback #1
All the dolls are wearing a LOT of makeup.
And while there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with WEARING AS MUCH MAKEUP AS YOU DAMN WELL PLEASE ON YOUR OWN DAMN FACE WITHOUT BEING SLUTSHAMED FOR IT,
There is no option of a makeup-free Barbie.
With Mattel proving, once again, that adhering to society’s beauty standards of a “perfect” face, really needs to be of utmost importance to young girls.
(Barbie on the right was redone by an artist and isn’t sold anywhere)
Major Setback #2
For fat girls, there’s still no representation to be found in a Barbie doll.
And Gabourey Sidibe isn’t happy!!!!
I’m just kidding, I have no idea whether she’s happy or not lol.
But damn she looks GOOD!
Seriously,
While there’s definitely height diversity amongst the new dolls, there’s hardly any real size difference when it comes to their weight. The “curvy” doll is still thin when you look at all the dolls together.
While she may have more fat on her than the tall Barbie, it’s not enough.
And if these images of fat, happy women bother you, you need to take a deep look at your own life, your own body image issues, and your own self esteem, to figure out why you’re projecting your personal emotions onto these fat women who have done nothing to offend you other than simply exist.
I wish Mattel just made a “fat” Barbie.
Did they avoid it because the world isn’t ready for a “fat” Barbie?
Because it’s 2016
And I think the world actually IS ready for a FAT BARBIE.
We’ve already got a living one in Tess Holiday (swooooon)
Why do we need to keep fighting for more diversity and representation in society?
Because until ALL women are represented, none of us truly are.
So…
Dear Mattel,
Ima ask you this one more time.
Where is Fat Barbie?
LATER DUDES,
XX-HOTPANTS
Since overcoming Bulimia and Binge Eating Disorder, Dana Suchow has become an expert in the field of body image and eating disorder prevention. Offering a nonclinical and holistic approach, Dana will teach you how to put your child on a path towards body love, empowerment and self-acceptance.
Did they make an Asian or Latina barbie??
They did!
I’m fairly happy with the new Barbies as well but I agree about the makeup thing. It’s something I can’t relate to. I also can’t relate to how all the Barbies have big eyes and I don’t. Similar to the idea of makeup since a lot of Asian women do their makeup to make their eyes look bigger. You could say that about people that have small lips, noses, big noses, big ears, small ears, etc regardless of race as well so I won’t go too crazy. A super customizable barbie would be cool one day (if it doesn’t exist today).
Totally wish they had a super customizable Barbie!! Maybe we should go into business together and invent one? ;)
I like your blog but I don’t agree with you at this subject at all. I think Barbie was decharacterized. I was happy with Barbie as she has been so far.
A doll does not has to look like a human being, as a human being does not has to look like a doll. And I’ve never dreamed about being like her. I’ve a brain. Just like every girl.
I only started to wear some makeup at 27, do you see? :)
If you want to blame someone because of the stupid and superficial approach of the majority of the people in what concerns the diversity of the bodies and point the proud we should have on each one of them, you could blame someone else but please don’t do it with a doll. The thing is: it’s just a doll – a thing, like lego, pin & pon, nancy, nenuco, etc
There are so many other ways to motivate young girls to feel confidence in themselves.
The magic of the toys lies in play with something that doesn’t exist in reality or exists but we can’t get it with ease (like a nenuco (a baby brother/sister)) or we can’t get it at all (like a car at the age of 4). It’s about fantasy.
Barbie had its own identity, now she is (like) dead. I miss Barbie!
Well, it’s my opinion. :)
(Sorry for the mistakes. This is not my native language.)
I think it’s fab to see a more diverse set of Barbie dolls – go Mattel!
I disagree with you regarding the lack of a “fat barbie”. I agree that diversity should be represented, but not for diversity’s sake. I don’t think unhealthy body shapes should be promoted. The woman in the photos you shared may be happy with their weight, and that is fine, completely their choice. However, I would never want to encourage any person, adult or child, towards obesity. Those woman are beautiful despite their weight, and their confidence and style shows, but they are not beautiful because of their weight. Obesity is the biggest killer of our generation and it needs to be taken very seriously.
I think “curvy” Barbie looks a natural and healthy body shape and that is cool with me.