BARBIE GIRL

Growing up in the 70’s it seemed like most girls played with Barbie dolls and I was not like most girls.  I didn’t seem to want to play with a a blonde stick figure with boobs, I loved stuffed animals and those dolls that let you practice applying make-up. Anyone else have a Chrissy doll that let you cut her hair?  The Barbie image was not something that I related to so I opted out.

Truth be told my Mother would not have let me have a Barbie even if I had wanted one, I found out recently.  She didn’t know anything about Barbie except what she looked like and no way was her daughter going to think that Barbie was an example of what I should aspire to be.  The idea that a little girl would play with doll that is supposed to represent being a “grown up” woman is a little weird to me even now.  I get the whole super hero thing, GI Joe or GI Jane pick who you want to emulate.  But what was Barbie telling us?  Find yourself a Ken and a Malibu dream home otherwise you ain’t sh*t?  Not really the best message to send.  So I appreciate that my forward thinking Mom had already decided, no way just in case.  But was she right?  Was Barbie only selling boobs and gorgeous clothing?