Barbie dolls have been around since 1959 to date, growing up and changing with each generation. At first, the iconic doll was simply a toy, but as time changes I'm glad to see how Barbie matures as well. From only coming in two versions, blonde and brunette, having 150 careers to having a whole new look; Barbie is definitely shaping little girls mentality in a positive aspect. Although critics explain how Barbie dolls have an unrealistic image, I believe Barbie dolls are trying to battle this idea by introducing positive body image to the new line. Barbie has gone through been a simple toy to teach little girls they can be whatever they want: a doctor, a president, a soldier, a movie star, a make up artist, and so much more. Barbie is definitely giving a voice and a conscience on feminist aspects. While it is true that the original look hasn't change that much throughout the years, the tall size and the small waist, the blonde hair and blue eyes; Mattel is creating a revolution by introducing the new Barbie doll line: Fashion dolls. As if it wasn't enough, Barbie has been honouring diversity by creating different dolls based on role models like Zendaya. This young actress was represented by Mattel with her 2015 Oscars look, where she wore a beautiful white dress and rock out dreadlocks. The look was criticised by an E news reported, saying how her hairstyle made her look like she "smells like patchouli oil, or maybe weed." Zendaya says how she did not choose the look of the barbie, which in my opinion makes this barbie doll way better. Mattel is trying to show girls how looking different is actually amazing, how a racist comment isn't ok by creating the exact same look in something so iconic like barbie dolls. The 19 years old actress explains how "the hair was obviously so important to me, they took their time and they made it perfect" during an interview with ET. This is clearly a revolution and a way to communicate little girls that you can in fact be accepted just the way you are. In my opinion, by creating a Zendaya doll, Barbie is showing not only girls but everyone that an unfair and racist comment given by anyone has a big impact. Mattel is trying to show the pride that Zendaya had with that look, celebrating with a "you go girl!" moment immortalized in an iconic Barbie doll. Barbie is expanding, Barbie is not necessarily what she was then...she's expanding and opening up different doors and forms of beauty and showing that there's more than one Barbie out there"- Zendaya Another amazing representation from Mattel is model Ashley Graham curvy-thigh-touching barbie. What is so amazing about this doll? Well for starters, Ashley herself design it. She specifically asked for the exact measurements and insisted on how important it was to get the thighs touching. As a plus size model, it was crucial for Ashley to represent curvy girls in the best possible way. It is true that we don't always feel good about ourselves, but she is hopping that curvy girls learn to appreciate and love how they look. Ashley wanted the doll to be as realistic as possible, even asking for it to have cellulite. For obvious reasons, plastic and cellulite don't exactly go together so this wasn't possible, but the thought is what counts! It's amazing how now little girls can go shopping for toys and tell their mothers "look! she looks just like me!" with the biggest smile on their face. Even better, the model was dressed with her actual Glamour‘s Women of the Year outfit, where she received the award. Now every woman does look like Barbie. Is not about one form of beauty anymore is about so many forms of beauty and is just encouraging to know that something so iconic like Barbie...is now keeping up with time and is a part of the body diversity movement- Ashley Graham The fact that little girls, from any race, shape and colour can now find themselves represented on something so transcendental as Barbie dolls is definitely a right step in the way towards self love and appreciation.
-Mafer
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