Chapter 1: The Misunderstood Icon

Years ago, I penned an article expressing my belief that the Barbie doll was often misinterpreted by those who were quick to criticize her existence. It wasn't until I viewed the recent Barbie film with my daughter that those thoughts resurfaced.

In my earlier piece, I argued that body-shaming a doll does not benefit anyone. Just as we don't suggest that little boys are adversely affected by the muscular figures of superhero dolls, the same logic applies to Barbie. Here are some intriguing yet uncomfortable truths about Barbie:

• The doll was inspired by the German Bild Lilli, a provocative gag gift based on a cartoon character.
• Barbie's proportions are evidently unrealistic for the average woman.
• She resided in a pink house complete with an elevator.
• Barbie lacks both nipples and genitals.

These statements are all true, outrageous, yet strangely fitting for a toy that has shaped the lives of many generations.

During my childhood, Barbies were my sanctuary. They provided an escape from the challenges of school, bullying, and self-doubt. As I touched her smooth plastic body, I recognized that she didn't resemble me, nor did she need to. I could dress her, style her, and create narratives that were entirely my own.

As the new Barbie movie emphasizes early on, this isn't merely a doll for nurturing play; Barbie is meant for storytelling. She can be an entrepreneur in the city, a flight attendant, or even navigate romantic relationships. My Barbies were versatile, allowing me to explore endless scenarios.

In the mid-80s to early 90s, as my mother avidly watched the soap opera The Young & The Restless, my Barbies often mirrored those dramatic storylines. Surprisingly, this imaginative play fostered my passion for writing and storytelling. I wasn't focused on physical appearances; rather, I was inspired by the creativity that came from playing with those dolls.

The backlash against Barbie's unrealistic body shape baffles me. If I were to take offense to any doll, it might be the baby dolls that many girls in the movie end up smashing. I had no desire to be a mother, while many of my friends found joy in their baby dolls. I pursued my own path of creativity, and they followed theirs.

No one forced me to play with Barbie; I chose to ask for her because I wanted to. Children experience joy in diverse ways through creative play. We shouldn't limit or label their experiences but embrace the development of their social and imaginative skills.

Chapter 2: The Modern Barbie Film

The Barbie movie, while filled with catchy songs and familiar tropes, triumphantly conveys the message that women can embrace their identity in various forms, whether ordinary or extraordinary. It also tackles the subject of gender roles, illustrating Ken's search for his own identity as Barbie's accessory.

Ultimately, Ken learns that he doesn't need to conform to societal expectations; he simply needs to be himself—much like Barbie inspires creativity in children.

Children's play should remain just that—play. The influence of parental or societal expectations should not intrude. Allowing children the freedom to explore their identities is crucial for their development. They are capable of discerning reality from fantasy.

In a moving scene, actress America Ferrera advocates for the right of women to choose motherhood without societal pressure to be a career-driven entrepreneur. Not every woman needs to fit into the mold of a "boss babe" to find fulfillment.

Body-Shaming Barbie

Barbie has long been a target of criticism.

The Barbie film successfully illustrates the modern-day pressure on women to embody multiple roles simultaneously, a demand that is not only unrealistic but detrimental. Although marketed as a role model for girls, Barbie's purpose transcends such labels; it's about imagination and creativity.

When I asked my daughter if she felt pressured to resemble her Barbies, she simply replied, "No, I just love to play with them and create stories. I know they're not real."

In conclusion, the overarching message of the Barbie film resonates: let a doll be a doll, and let women be women in whatever way they choose to express themselves—through motherhood, a career, a blend of both, or none at all.

Children should be free to express their dreams and aspirations through any doll they choose, be it a girl doll, a baby doll, or a boy doll. It's not rocket science.

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