The flawed, yet idolized Non-traditional Barbie

When thinking about the role “Barbie” plays in our society, what usually comes to mind is a perfect woman, with a perfect life, that is idolized by many. The non-traditional Barbie I chose truly defines the role popular culture plays in our society. The Amy Winehouse doll, extremely flawed, tragic life and death, however idolized by many. The interesting question is, how could someone so imperfect uphold the same value as original Barbie?  It’s as her tragic life story was viewed as beautiful misfortune. Meaning, although she struggled with drug and alcohol abuse, as well as depression and bipolar disorder. The thing that radiated through it all was her soul of a voice. In fact, her producer, Salaam Remi stated “she released more albums in her death than she did in life.” To this day she is still remembered by the tragically beautiful soul music that can only be described as iconic. The message Amy displayed in her life and music was that she knew she was flawed, and she was okay with it. She could openly express her faults without facing social destruction. 

In her song “Rehab” she sings,

“they try to make me go to rehab

I said, no, no, no.” 

She then follows with these lyrics later on;

“The man said, ‘why do you think you here?’

I said, I got no idea. I'm gonna, I'm gonna lose my baby

So I always keep a bottle near

He said, I just think you're depressed. This, me, yeah, baby, and the rest.”

You have Amy Winehouse Barbie and original Barbie, one flawed and one unflawed; however, both idolized by society. The Amy Winehouse Barbie is able to display that no matter what you look like, what you do, or what you act like, a beautiful soul will never go unrecognized. And to do this day Amy Winehouse and her soul continue to live on.