In lieu of feminists’ and parents’ new obsession with attacking Barbie, I feel that I would like to stick up for Barbie and all of the good things she represents rather than hating on her for a couple minor production flaws.
Since her creation in 1959, Barbie has long represented a strong, independent woman. A woman who can go anywhere, do anything, be anything. She has had more than 80 careers including a President, doctor, paleontologist, and veterinarian. If you ask me, that is not stupid and those are all very good career paths to take. Barbie gives girls dreams that they can try to achieve.
Adults seem to fear Barbie’s influence on their daughters most often because of her body shape. Thus, we all know that Barbie has a pretty disproportionate body: her feet are super small; her legs are incredibly thin; her waist is teeny tiny; and her chest is extremely large. But here’s the thing: Barbie is a plastic toy and girls know that they cannot possibly judge themselves off of something that is not real. Critics say that because Barbies are a popular toy for young girls, it influences their ideas on body image and can lead to eating disorders and self hatred, but there has still been no significant study to prove that Barbie makes girls insecure. If you talk to someone with an eating disorder, chances are she’ll say she has the disease because of the pressure to be perfect that real supermodels or skinny famous people initiate. She probably won’t say, “I just hate my body because of Barbie!” Why should one doll form a complete idea of how we see ourselves? Girls are constantly bombarded with real images of real people all day everyday that are much more influential than that of a childhood toy.
These are just some of the ways in which I hope to defend Barbie and all that she stands for. I know she is not a bad role model, but rather a good one: a role model showing that girls can do whatever they put their minds to.
I would love it if someone could provide me with some tips or ideas on how to make this a really awesome speech. Thanks!
I really like this topic- very original. It's good that you mention what the Barbie stands for (a strong independent woman), as well as the arguments for why some critics think Barbies are a terrible idea. I'd also address the aspect of simply being a young girl and the joy of playing with dolls. They can dress their Barbies, dye their hair, even create a Barbie world. As you said, I don't think anyone has grown up with a self esteem problem because of a Barbie; influences such as magazines and the media are much more harmful.
ReplyDeleteAmen!!! Go barbie, Haha, but I like this topic because I thought you were going to be on the other side, but along with the good idea of Barbie resembling an independent woman, there's other parts of it you could add. Like for the girls that like Barbie so much they want to be like her, then that would lower obesity rate, strengthen their care for themselves, and the girls would probably be more hygienic.
ReplyDeleteShelby,
ReplyDeleteAfter reading through all the posts, I wanted to let you know that you will be getting extra credit for all the thoughtful comments you've made on your peers' posts. Well done!
Shelby! I really like this topic. I wish I could do this topic. It seems like it will be easy to talk about and fun!! Cant wait!
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