| Barbie Doll Controversies |
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Barbie has had her fair share of controversies since being released in 1959. Everything from the clothes she wears to her choice of accessories, pets, cars and even attitude. Barbie has been a major influence on Western children, particularly girls, and as such as come under much scrutiny. The criticism is usually based on the fact that Barbie is a role model for children. Because young girls will try to copy Barbie, having Barbie dressed so provocatively at times has drawn much criticism.
Barbie was so controversial in the Middle East that Saudi Arabia banned it in 2003. They no longer allow the sale of Barbie Dolls because she is not in line with Islamic ideals. They stated that Barbie dolls "are a symbol of decadence to the perverted West". Barbie is however still able to be bought in some other Middle Eastern countries.
However it is not only religious groups who have had a bone to pick with Barbie, with many sectors of the community blaming Barbie for the increasingly changing attitudes of very young girls, as young as five, in relation to their body image and clothing.
Women's groups have also criticised Barbie for putting forth an image of unintelligent women. In 1992 a talking Barbie was released that said such superficial phrases as "Will we ever have enough clothes?" and "I love shopping!" plus the very controversial "Math class is tough!"
The shape of the Barbie body has also been widely condemned due to portraying unrealistic body image expectations on young girls. Mattel have slightly widened the waist of Barbie in more recent years but she still retains her buxom look. Many groups have said that Barbie is a cause of anorexia in young women due to her 36 inch chest, 18 inch waist and 33 inch hips when scaled to a human size. This results in a dangerously unhealthy look.
Even Barbie's name has not escaped scrutiny, with the term Barbie often now used to describe unintelligent or 'bimbo' women as famously portrayed in the song "Barbie Girl".
Racial overtones have also haunted Barbie, with a "Colored Francie" being released in 1967. This was simply a regular Barbie doll with dark skin and as such did not represent an African American as it was intended to do. Christie, in 1968, is believed to be the first real African American Barbie doll. Black Barbie and Hispanic Barbie followed in 1980.
Although Barbie has been controversial, this has probably contributed to her success.
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