Everybody knows the Barbie doll. She has been a staple of the toy industry for 50 years and she still looks great. Barbie was introduced in 1959 making here just barely a 50’s baby. Mattell produced Barbie when Ruth Handler discovered that her daughter preferred playing with adult dolls. She based Barbie on a German doll hoping there was a big market and Barbie quickly became a big seller for Mattell. The adult theme was controversial and there have been many makeovers over time trying to come to some compromise between sexy and innocent. Barbi’s sexuality has always been a big issue with Mattell trying to keep a PG rating while making Barbie seem adult and attractive to children.
For me, Barbie marks the watershed between the innocent 50’s and the sexually active 60’s. It may not be fair to blame feminism on Barbie but perhaps girls playing with Barbies grew up faster than those with Betsy wetsy. No scientific studies that I can find on that one.
Boomers, If you grew up with Barbie, how do you think she affected you? Were you wise beyond your years? Robbed of your childhood? Let me know your take on Barbie.
