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Hi, Barbie!

Writer: Faith Amoako

Researcher: Sameeha Syed


Barbies have been around for 64 years and have impacted the world of toys and, more significantly, the lives of countless little girls across the globe. In that time, they have undergone several changes that transformed them into the diverse dolls we have today.

Barbie was first introduced in 1959 by Ruth Handler, who modeled her Barbies after a German Bild Lilli doll (pictured to the left). Barbie's full name, inspired by Ruth's daughter Barbara, is Barbara Millicent Roberts.

Barbie made her debut on March 9, 1959 (which is also considered her birthday) at the American International Toy Fair in New York City. When the doll was released, her body was deemed controversial because it had 'too much figure' and created an unrealistic body standard for girls. As a result, Mattel, the toy corporation that owned Barbie, started incorporating more inclusivity in their dolls, and a couple of years later, the first dolls of color were developed, including Black and Latina Barbies.

In the 1970s, Barbie faced criticism for materialism and unrealistic body proportions. Researchers in Finland even stated that 'if Barbie were a real woman, she would not have enough body fat to menstruate.' In response to this criticism, Mattel decided to change Barbie's appearance. In the 21st century, she was given smaller breasts, a wider waist, and slimmer hips. In 2016, a diverse range of body shapes, including petite, tall, and curvy, were added to the Barbie line.

What sets Barbie apart from dolls in the past is that she doesn't teach girls how to nurture; instead, she represents financial independence and diverse beauty standards. Throughout her history, Barbie has encouraged girls to dream big, break stereotypes, and pursue careers and aspirations unapologetically. She has empowered girls globally, showing them that they can be anything they want to be. As we celebrate 64 years of Barbie, we recognize her lasting impact on generations of young minds, proving that a doll can be more than just a toy—it can be a source of inspiration and empowerment.



Sources

Lord, M. (2023, October 26). Barbie | History, Dolls, & Facts. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Barbie



 
 
 

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