No one in American society can doubt that one of the most loved and time tested toys in every girl’s life is a Barbie doll (her full name? Barbie Millicent Roberts, from Wisconsin). For over half a century, Barbie dolls have made an impact in the lives of many children. Even if you have never owned a Barbie doll, which is doubtful for women, you have at least saw one or played with one.
The story of the all time favorite Barbie doll is actually a quite interesting tale. The idea for the doll began after Ruth Handler purchased a somewhat similar doll in Germany. Ruth had presently been a marketing woman for her husband’s company. Ruth gained her thoughts and used the aide of her husband’s picture frame business, Mattel, to help with the doll’s creation. She found a designer to work on giving the doll her own wardrobe. The name Barbie was inspired by her daughter, Barbara. The Barbie doll’s first appearance came in 1958. Up until this time, most of the dolls designed for little girls were created to resemble babies – Barbie was the first adult doll for girls. Soon Barbie’s boyfriend Ken arrived, named after Ruth’s son.
The idea of the Barbie doll was soon a hit. Sales for the new doll began coming in by the thousands. Within ten years of her introduction to society, $500 million of Barbie dolls had been purchased by society. The doll began at a price of $3.
Throughout the years, Barbie and Ken have seen many changes. Their style and wardrobes have changed to keep up with current trends. They have encounter friends, cousins, and family members along the way. Barbie has been designed to focus around holidays, careers, sports, and more. A variety of Barbie doll became a favorite for play of girls and a favorite for collecting of adults.
It was not too long after Barbie hit the scene that she started getting her own car, house, vet office, and even a fast food restaurant, such as the popular McDonald’s. This doll has all of the clothing jewelry, and accessories that she could ever want. Barbie is such a big deal that she even has her own movies out now.
Even though Barbie has brought smiles to many young girls, she has also been the center of controversy about the message that some say she sends out. Many feel that Barbie has a “perfect” appearance that directs little girls to focus on their looks and to try to be things that they cannot. Some even feel that Barbie puts off a very sexual influence because she is curvy.
However, several conducted studies showed that young girls were unaware of the doll’s sexy appearance. Yet from the doll, they gain much imaginative play and increase in imagination. As the doll evolved, girls also had opportunities to see Barbie as a career woman.
It is most likely that Barbie will never be replaced in the eyes of young girls. She is a sign of independence, just like her inventor and will continue to be that way. Barbie gives little girls the dreams they need to aspire to be great things when they grow up.
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