Parents everywhere ripped open their wallets, stampeded to the stores, and ate the concept up. They wanted their daughters to be just like Barbie Roberts. They even wanted their sons to bring her home. Today, the only difference made to this bizarre idea, is that the doll’s family has grown. Now Asian, Hawaiian, African American, Swedish, and other cultures and races of females, can share in the joys of low self image.

The expectations the doll places on children are intangible. My family showered me with these plastic beauties on every special occasion. My birthday, Easter, and Christmas, I would be found in a corner unwrapping another years worth of expectations. Barbie was unleashed to the world in a revealing bathing suit, wearing makeup, and fully accessorized. Her with ruby red lips, plucked eye brows, and cute little pony tail became the icon of young American girls. She had everything, kn

For one example, the placement of the eyes, and broadness of the nose are different between Caucasoid humans and African humans. In the Barbie line, all the dolls have the same features, except for color. This example may add to distortions in the self image of African girls who play with the African Barbie dolls.

I have noticed that all women in my life suffer from a lower self image than men. We were all raised with the media, dolls, and parents who placed high expectations on our lives. We strive to look beautiful by considering breast implants, liposuction, and spending large amounts of money on form enhancing wardrobes. My concern is the acceptance her figure is receiving, even in present times. Barbie did not create this problem, but she is one of the only long standing reminders today.

ew everything, and could do anything. She didn’t go to school, never had a bad hair day, and had no need for hand me downs.

The Barbie people imagine today has long flowing blonde hair and blue eyes. She is always

Some topics in this essay:
Easter Christmas, Mattel Inc, African Barbie, Fay Fat, American Swedish, , Barbie Roberts, Ken Parents, Ruth Handler, Robert Eckert, self image, teenage girl,