Is Barbie The Ultimate Sporting Icon?

So, let’s start at the beginning. Barbie was created by Ruth Handler, co-founder of Mattel, in 1959. Handler was inspired to create Barbie after watching her daughter Barbara play with paper dolls, imagining them in grown-up roles. Barbie was a revolutionary toy, unlike any other dolls on the market at the time. She was an adult, with a career and a wardrobe to match. At first, Barbie wasn’t particularly sporty – her first outfits included a swimsuit, a ballerina costume, and a sophisticated ensemble for a night out. But as time went on, Barbie started to branch out.

In the 1960s, Barbie became an Olympic athlete, a skier, and a tennis player. In the 1970s, she added equestrian sports to her repertoire, becoming an accomplished horse rider. In the 1990s, Barbie took up rollerblading, and in the 2000s, she became a NASCAR driver. Today, Barbie is more athletic than ever, with a range of sports-themed dolls and accessories. From basketball to soccer, surfing to snowboarding, there’s a Barbie for every sport.

On the other hand, Barbie has also been criticised for perpetuating harmful stereotypes about beauty, femininity, and gender roles. Her super thin waist and long legs have been blamed for promoting unrealistic body standards, and her glamorous wardrobe and accessories have been accused of reinforcing traditional gender roles. And while Mattel has made some efforts to update the Barbie franchise, critics argue that these changes have been too little, too late, and that the damage has already been done.

So, is Barbie a feminist sporty icon after all? The answer, as with many things in life, is both yes and no. Yes, Barbie has encouraged young girls to try sports and to imagine themselves in non-traditional roles. Yes, Mattel has made some efforts to update the Barbie franchise and to make it more diverse and inclusive. But no, while it’s true that she has taken on various sports-related professions, it’s important to remember that these are still just representations and do not necessarily reflect the reality of women in sports.

The upcoming film, which promises to break stereotypes and showcase her as a strong and empowering role model will be a strong reminder of Barbie’s enduring cultural influence, and the need for more diverse and inclusive representations of women in sports.

In conclusion, only time will tell what impact this doll will have on the next generation of young minds, and ultimately, it’s up to individuals to decide whether or not they are team Barbie and believe their daughters (or sons) can learn valuable lessons from the iconic doll.