Barbie has been one of the most popular kids toys and most beloved dolls of all time, since her introduction in 1959. Unlike many toys that disappear with
the generation of kids who played with them, it is likely that you, your mother, your daughter and probably your granddaughter will have a toy box full of Barbies.
Although the doll that previous generations knew, will be far different to the one played with by future generations. Barbie is being changed and adapted all the time, with the most recent development being her flat feet, that have allowed her to finally kick off the heels and slip into a pair of comfortable trainers.
In a previous move that saw Barbie escaping her stereotypical look, was the ‘Normal Barbie’ that came with the proportions of an average women as well as stickers that include cellulite and acne. Now, alongside her adjustable ankles, is a range that will include 23 diverse dolls, sporting a variety of skin tones, facial structures and hair colours.
As a young girl playing with Barbie, she was just a toy, but there is far more to her than you realized at the time and she had much more influence over you than you knew. Here are 5 signs you grew up with Barbie dolls:
- You wear your Barbie clothing with pride. Whilst your children are dressed in their favourite characters, which you probably picked up after discovering these fantastic deals, you can be dressed in yours! Barbie has recently come back into fashion for adults, so you’re love for her can be expressed through everyday outfits again!
- You have an opinion on the controversy surrounding her. It has been said Barbie has had a negative effect on girls who grew up with her, including eating disorders, lowered confidence and poor mental health. As someone who grew up with Barbie, you are likely to have strong opinions on whether this is the case or not.
- You are career driven. If it is true that Barbie had a negative influence on young girls growing up, then surely her positive influence should have rubbed off on them as well. Barbie has the most impressive CV that includes more than 150 different roles, ranging from a teacher to an astronaut. She even broke the glass ceiling in the 80s becoming a business executive, with the most recent doll being an entrepreneur complete with tablet and smartphone.
- The box of Barbies you still have tucked away in the loft. You keep using the excuse that you are saving them for your kids but in reality you can’t bear to get rid of them. You don’t want them enough that they are on display in your home, but you aren’t quite ready to not have them at all. Barbie was a big part of your childhood and you spent many years collecting different versions, selling them for £1 each at a car boot or putting them in a charity bag is something you need to come to terms with first.
- You aspire to look like her. This could be a girly look inspired by her perfect hair, clothes and make-up or a more extreme, complete transformation. There is no doubt that women such as the ‘Human Barbie’ played with the doll growing up. She has taken the influence the iconic doll has over young girls a step further than most. She has transformed herself to the point where you would do a double take if you saw her, due to her doll-like features.