Barbie's New Look by Savana Joyeuse

Barbie has been an iconic doll since the 50's. She was brought to fame by her bright blonde hair, thin body, and robust chest. However, this image does not reflect the girls who play with her today. In fact, her "iconic" look is unrealistic for the average woman. If Barbie was real her proportions would be a 32F chest size and a 20 inch waist. Some women, like Valeria Lukyanova, known as "The Real Life Barbie", have tried to mimic these proportions for the ideal look.

Recently, large amounts of criticism have been directed toward Mattel (the Barbie doll manufacturing company). Critics state that girls shouldn't be surrounded by this unrealistic body image. In January 2016, a new line of more realistic Barbies were launched. She now has three new body types: tall, petite, and curvy. These new dolls come in a variety of skin tones and hair styles to reflect the women of today. 


Although the changes in Barbie are unique and more "realistic" the original Barbie will always hold a place in my heart. I believe there's no strong need for the new body types. Growing up playing with Barbies, I never felt pressure to match her image. I always knew it was just a doll; she's Barbie! Bringing countless hours of happiness to young girls since her creation, she should not change just because the year has. In the end you can change her hair, you can change her clothes, but I hope America finds their way back home to the classic Barbie. 

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