As a father, witnessing the evolution of Barbie has sparked a mix of emotions within me. Recently, I received a promotional package from Mattel titled “Dads Who Play Barbie.” As the father of two daughters—one nearly eight, the other just about to turn three—I’ve had my share of skepticism regarding Barbie. My concerns have not only revolved around the unrealistic body standards often represented but also the superficial narratives conveyed through Barbie media.
Challenges of Representation
Historically, it has been challenging to shield my daughters from the pervasive influence of Disney Princesses and Barbie. My eldest, Clara, has accumulated quite a few Barbies over the years. So, when she spotted the large pink box I brought home, her excitement was palpable. I called her younger sister, Mia, to join in the unboxing. Inside were three dolls: one was the classic Barbie—blonde, white, and with an exaggerated figure. The other two were a departure from tradition. One was a woman of color dressed in a doctor’s coat, while the other boasted blue hair, a shorter stature, and was labeled as “curvy.”
This launch is part of a new initiative by Mattel to diversify their doll offerings, showcasing various races and body types. I found this shift encouraging. However, my daughter’s immediate choice gave me pause. Clara gravitated toward the traditional Barbie, seemingly dismissing the other dolls. Despite my efforts to instill a sense of appreciation for diversity and acceptance in her, I couldn’t help but worry about the societal pressures already shaping her views of womanhood. Clara, who resembles her mother—who stands just over 5 feet—will never embody the Barbie ideal, and that’s perfectly fine. Yet, I was concerned about what this choice signified regarding her perception of beauty and success.
A Glimmer of Hope
In stark contrast, Mia showed no hesitation. She eagerly grabbed the two non-traditional dolls, tearing through the packaging without a second thought. In that moment, I felt a glimmer of hope for her future while still being apprehensive for Clara.
I realize some might view my concerns as overreactions—an understandable sentiment in parenting. However, my ultimate desire is to ensure my daughters are free from unrealistic expectations surrounding beauty and success. I want Clara and Mia to pursue their aspirations, be it as an astronaut, a doctor, or even as a stay-at-home parent. Most importantly, I want them to appreciate diversity in people and understand that no single race, gender, or religion is superior to another.
Unexpected Playtime
What followed was unexpected. Clara played with the traditional Barbie, while Mia engaged with her two dolls. About twenty minutes in, something remarkable happened: they began playing together, which is unusual for them. Eventually, they were all playing with the three dolls, laughing and enjoying themselves.
While I’m not claiming that this doll evolution will completely alter my daughters’ perceptions of body image and beauty, witnessing them enjoy playtime with dolls of varying backgrounds gave me a sense of optimism. Though the change may seem minor, it reflects a broader shift towards inclusivity that I hope will continue.
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Conclusion
In summary, the evolution of Barbie has sparked a conversation about diversity and body image in my family. Although my daughters’ initial reactions varied, their eventual shared playtime with the new dolls is a small yet promising sign of progress toward greater acceptance and appreciation of differences.
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