From Fashion Model to Cultural Icon: Barbie’s Evolution Towards Diversity and Inclusivity
Barbie, once known primarily as a fashion model, has undergone a remarkable transformation to become a symbol of cultural significance, embracing diversity and inclusivity. In a significant stride towards fostering a more inclusive toy landscape, Mattel, the company behind Barbie, introduced a doll with Down syndrome, expanding the representation and recognition of individuals with diverse abilities.
For the past six decades, Barbie has transcended her status as a mere doll and has become an enduring cultural icon, reflecting the ever-evolving times. Her influence extends far and wide, as virtually everyone has a personal Barbie story to share. Barbie has ingrained herself into the fabric of pop culture, holding a special place in the hearts of people worldwide.
Barbie’s impact is felt across various realms. She has confidently competed with top celebrities in People magazine’s coveted “Who Wore It Best?” section, showcasing her timeless style. Her iconic presence has also graced the renowned television show “Project Runway,” serving as a source of inspiration for talented designers. Barbie’s influence even extends to the culinary world, as she has inspired a captivating bake-off on Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars.” Furthermore, her significance is evident through consistent mentions and appearances on popular game shows like Jeopardy and in discussions across numerous major news outlets globally.
Considered a celebrity in her own right, Barbie has become a beloved theme for birthday parties and a popular choice for Halloween costumes. Even notable celebrities like Kylie Jenner and Beyoncé have paid tribute to the iconic doll by donning Barbie-inspired ensembles. Hollywood, too, has been deeply influenced by Barbie’s allure, bestowing the highest honor by immortalizing several A-list celebrities in plastic form. It all began in 1967 when supermodel Twiggy became the first celebrity to receive a Barbie doll created in her likeness. Since then, the list has expanded to include renowned names such as Barbra Streisand, Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez (shown on the right), and “Selma” director Ava DuVernay (shown above), among many others. Barbie’s impact on celebrity culture is undeniable and continues to inspire and captivate generations.
In 1945, Ruth Handler, alongside her husband Elliot Handler and Harold Matson, co-founded Mattel. Ruth was inspired to create a doll that would allow girls to envision their future and aspirations after observing her daughter, Barbara, playing with paper dolls. Ruth firmly believed that there should be a doll that could serve as a canvas for girls to project their dreams onto. Thus, Barbie was born, named after Ruth’s own daughter. The inaugural Barbie model made its debut at the annual Toy Fair in New York City in March 1959.
Barbie’s first television advertisement, aired that same year, featured a woman singing from the perspective of a young girl who aspired to be like Barbie. The lyrics expressed the desire to emulate Barbie’s beauty and charm until the day when she could truly become her.
Despite initial skepticism from the toy industry, which doubted the appeal of a doll with realistic proportions, Barbie triumphed and became a global phenomenon. In the first year alone, 300,000 Barbie dolls were sold, and her popularity soared, leading to the expansion of her universe. In 1961, Barbie welcomed a boyfriend named Ken, named curiously after the Handlers’ son. Subsequently, in 1963, Barbie gained a best friend named Midge, followed by a younger sister named Skipper in 1964. The Barbie universe continues to expand, with Mattel shipping over 86 million dolls from the franchise in 2021, equating to approximately 164 dolls per minute. From its inception, Barbie has empowered young girls to dream big. The dolls embody an idealistic and materialistic American fantasy, albeit at a price.
Barbie quickly became a prominent figure in cultural and political discussions, often sparking controversy among critics from various ideological backgrounds. Barbie gradually incorporated progressive elements, such as the introduction of Christie, a Black doll sporting a mod swimsuit, in the same year as the Fair Housing Act of 1968. However, activists raised concerns about the dolls, and during the 1970 Women’s Strike for Equality in New York City, some marchers even chanted, “I am not a Barbie doll!” as a declaration of their independence.
Despite occasional setbacks, Barbie steadily progressed towards equality. In 1980, Mattel unveiled the first Black Barbie designed by Kitty Black Perkins, featuring a box that proudly declared, “She’s black! She’s beautiful! She’s dynamite!” By 1985, Barbie had ventured into the male-dominated corporate world, donning a pink power suit that effortlessly transitioned her from the boardroom to a night on the town. In 1992, ironically the same year when Teen Talk Barbie drew criticism for her “Math class is tough!” remark, Barbie set her sights on the executive branch, donning a red, blue, and silver gown as “Barbie for President.” Since then, Barbie has been a perennial candidate in every presidential election. Mattel claims that Barbie has pursued over 250 careers, a diverse range that is currently celebrated in advertisements for the upcoming Barbie movie.
In her 1994 autobiography, Ruth Handler articulated her belief that Barbie empowered girls by enabling them to envision limitless possibilities. Barbie’s creation coincided with the Handlers’ personal journey of identity choices. As a Jewish family, they developed the doll during a period when many American Jews grappled with assimilation while striving to maintain their cultural heritage. The delicate balance of feeling secure as Americans without sacrificing their roots was a common experience. Barbie and Ruth Handler serve as examples of the complexities that American Jews navigate, as explored in the 2005 documentary “The Tribe,” which highlights the contradictions and ongoing journey of American Jews: “Ruth brought this Aryan ideal of beauty and achieved the American dream.”
While Mattel has introduced more diverse models that gesture towards civil rights and feminism, the original concept of beauty remains dominant. According to Elizabeth Chin, an anthropologist and professor, the blonde, white Barbie remains the most iconic image associated with Barbie. However, children often use the dolls in ways that deviate from the intended narratives, as seen in YouTube videos where Barbie cheats on Ken with a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle or dons a wedding dress made of toilet paper. Children’s interpretations of Barbie can be surprising, thought-provoking, and sometimes challenging, displaying their creativity and unique perspectives.
Despite being associated with traditional femininity, Barbie has always symbolized the future as well. For instance, Astronaut Barbie was released in 1965, predating Sally Ride’s historic space voyage in 1983. Barbie was a representation of what was possible and what the future could hold.
