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.

Non-traditional Barbie

Mattel created Barbie because all they had were baby dolls which forced children to act like a parent or dolls that were like a friend. There were no adult dolls that children could play with. Although this pregnant doll is not a "traditional" Barbie this shows a big part of being an adult. This pregnant Barbie is almost more normal than the blonde haired, blue eyed Barbie with unlimited amounts of clothes, shoes, and accessories. Barbie is portrayed in many different ways that are not realistic, but the "non-traditional" Barbies are more realistic than the traditional Barbie.

Non-traditional Barbie: Curvy Barbie

Last year, Mattel introduced "curvy Barbie". Curvy Barbie was introduced to showcase a diverse line of the popular dolls. Within this updated reintroduction they also introduced tall and petite Barbie dolls to help differentiate their product.

Curvy Barbie is seen as a non-traditional Barbie because Barbie was originally modeled very skinny (in a way that most human figures cannot become). Curvy Barbie is an important Barbie to have in their line of dolls because negative views on body image can be damaging to anyone playing with these dolls. Curvy Barbie showcases Barbie as the important figure she is in a more realistic manner. Nobody has the same body type and Curvy Barbie exemplifies that by being as important as any other Barbie but is unique in her own way.

Curvy Barbie has wider hips and a slight larger form factor than the original Barbie. Even though she is slightly larger than the original Barbie, she still doesn't look entirely different than the original Barbie. Differentiating Barbie by size is important though. Showcasing to a younger demographic, having Barbie's in different sizes can allow for the kids playing with these Barbie dolls to feel comfortable in their own skin no matter what size.

Barbie Perfidy

Barbie Perfidy

This particular issue derives not from Barbie herself rather it stems from her choice in reading material. In 1965, Mattel created Slumber Party Barbie equipped with a scale that always reads 110 pounds and a guide to losing weight. The title is How To Lose Weight with a tip on the back that says, “Don't Eat!” Perhaps Mattel was playing a joke, but with issues of weight and self-esteem, especially from young women, this message wasn't an appropriate one.
 

The children that play with Barbie or have seen the doll have now been exposed to Barbie's image. A supposed societal expectation for women to look like a plastic figurine. Of course, promoting unhealthy habits, especially from national icons, has its repercussions; a year later Mattel removed the scale, but kept the “diet” book. The take away point is this: To relay a message that losing weight is as simple as not eating is irresponsible and it calls into question what this toy company's true intentions were.

1. Lacey, Martha De. "'Don't Eat!': Controversial 1965 Slumber Party Barbie Came with Scales Permanently Set to Just 110lbs and a Diet Book Telling Her Not to Eat." Daily Mail Online. Associated Newspapers, 29 Nov. 2012. Web. 26 Jan. 2017. 

Nontraditional Barbie

 

Within the last 5 to 10 years there have been more barbies that try to accurately show the reality of what the female standard is. The picture above shows a wider hipped more truthful model of an average female. She also has blue hair which in my opinion shows the the ability for girls to express themselves. Her skirt is also longer and portrays the motherly role in my opinion. 

Nontraditional Barbie

This a non traditional barbie because its not the same as all the others. Instead of wearing what supposed to be "normal" she is wearing her horse riding outfit which wouldn't be a common outfit to wear around. It shows that even though there is a stereotype for barbies its okay to step out of those norms and be yourself without feeling some type of judgement. Even though is barbie is still the "skinny, blonde hair, blue eyed barbie" it still steps away from what is considered normal.

Computer Engineer Barbie

Computer Engineer Barbie

While this Barbie does have the same physical characteristics of the traditional barbie, this Barbie is non traditional because she is dressed and equipped to be an engineer. Throughout the history of the profession and even today, the vast majority of engineers have been men, and this Barbie aims to break that mold. Although her outfit is flashy, her clothes make her appear to be a professional by wearing a blazer, and most importantly, pants. Decades ago in the workforce, women have been viewed in a professional setting as being a secretary, wearing skirts. This barbie's appearance demonstrates that women have the mental and social ability that they can be more than secretaries, and can do intellectual work. The modesty of the clothing also shows that in a professional setting, that women do not need to try to display physical features to work. With Barbie holding a laptop, a cell phone and wearing, it demonstrates how women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) can have a lifestyle centered around modern technology, contrary to the notion that women cannot integrate technology in their lives. The study of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics is not a boys club, and computer engineer Barbie is here to show America's youth that it is for women too.