Barbie's Impact Starting in the 1950's

The Barbie DollImpacting lives since the

1950’s

By: Kristen Haeberlein

Creation

• Inventor: Ruth Handler

• Named after Barbara Handler (Ruth’s daughter)

• Inspiration came from a German doll named “Lilli”

• Debuted in 1959 through Mattel Toy Company

Lilli

Purpose and Definition

• Ruth’s primary purpose was to create a doll that her daughter could look up to as a role model

• Doll- Feminine Adult• The Barbie Doll: a

plastic representation of a young adult woman

Purpose for Research

• Barbie was intended to be a positive role model for young girls

• This intention was not met due to numerous accusations against Barbie• My purpose is

to discover the controversies outlining Barbie’s past and present

Positive Barbie

• Role Model

• Inspiration to young girls– Gets them to

believe they can do anything

• Represents the changes taking place throughout the world

• Shows girls a glimpse of their future selves

Barbie in the Past

Appearance

• Barbie:– Sharp eyes– Long, black

eyelashes– Heavy make-up– High heels– Tight outfits– Sexual charm

Measurements

• Barbie in real life;– Chest: 38 in.– Waist: 18 in.– Hips: 34 in.– Height: 5’6”– Weight: 120 lbs.

Inabilities

• Due to a lack of body fat, Barbie would not be capable to menstruate

• Since her feet are pointed towards her tip-toes, she would not be able to stand up straight

Negative Aspects of Barbie

• Allows girls to believe they can do anything, only to be let down later in life

• Supports the idea of never failing which will confuse children later on

• Is known as a “sexual idol”

• Portrays an unrealistic image through body measurements

Criticisms

Many people have been affected by Barbie and the will to be just like her:

» Cindy Jackson» Dian Hanson» Jan

Cindy Jackson

• Spent $55,000 to look like Barbie• Went through 20 plastic

surgeries• Purpose: wanted to be a real-life

Barbie

Dian Hanson

• Magazine editor• Believes Barbie is a “sex idol”• Gets inspiration for her magazines

through Barbie and her different occupations

• Fascinated by her measurements

Jan

• Felt self-conscious around people with Barbies

• Didn’t believe she could live up to anything in life without Barbie

• Always felt like the “kid-sister” in life• Never believed she could have love

and romance• Felt as though Barbie was “off-limits”

Examples of Barbie

Facts

• Barbie has been created in hundreds of different nationalities

• Careers range anywhere from a doctor to a baby-sitter

• Two Barbie dolls are sold around the world every second

• Influenced the “Baby Boomers”

My Results

Barbie’s Impact on Society

I believe Barbie has made many positive influences to young girls

However, there are numerous negative aspects to Barbie, such as her invalid measurements, her approach at sexiness towards children, and her impact on the minds of girls and their self-perceptions

This, to me, outweighs the good qualities Barbie portrays