The problem is that there are a lot of do-gooders out there who think Barbie is evil. They think here unrealistic figure will pollute young minds and make young girls strive to be unhealthy just so they can try to look like her. But for those folks, I have news for you. Barbie is a toy. She's not real and children are smart enough to realize it.
Boys may grow up reading Superman comics or playing with Superman action figures but they know they can't fly, they can't leap tall buildings with a single bound, and they aren't faster than a speeding bullet. They might pretend but they grow up.
Same with little girls. They might say when they're six that they want to look like Barbie when they get older but when they get older, they realize it ain't gonna happen, that it's unrealistic, and they get on with life.
There are girls that starve themselves and do unhealthy things with their bodies to get a certain look, but it's those super models and Hollyweird actresses that they're trying to emulate, not Barbie. BARBIE IS A PLASTIC TOY!
So for all those politically correct, nose in everyone else's business types who want to hate on Barbie, I say get a life. There are plenty of real concerns out there. There are plenty of people who actually need help. Quit picking on a toy and go make yourself useful. Become a productive member of society. If I want to buy my daughter a Barbie doll, I will and it's none of your business.
This is a little off topic from my usual health and fitness ramblings but I thought it was appropriate for the time.
And by the way, G.I. Joe kicks Ken's rear all over the place, gets the girl (Barbie), and drives off into the sunset. But he absolutely refuses to do it in that pink Barbie corvette. He's a man and he has standards. Ken, however, looks right at home in it.
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Good post brother.
ReplyDeleteBarbie is indeed a toy and should be treated as such. I could care less about the birthday of a toy. And we should never blame all our ills on a toy. However, that being said, I do think there is "Barbie" mentality that is evident in our culture. Anorexia and bulimia are both serious conditions that are inexorably linked to this "Barbie" complex that says we are more attractive if we look and act a certain way. In fact, eating disorders affect approximately 13 women and 2 men out of every 100 people in this country. Another symptom of this complex is the extreme rise in breast enhancement and cosmetic surgery for that "just right" look. And these procedures are not just for the rich and famous. So go buy your Barbie and Ken and the pink Corvette. Just keep them away from me and GI Joe. We don't play well with Barbie and Ken. And what ever happened to Johnny West and Geronimo?
Yes, eating disorders are a problem. But again, I think they are emulating models and actresses, not a toy. And if they are trying to look like a toy, then they have further mental problems besides the eating disorder.
ReplyDeleteJohnny West and Geronimo... that brings back memories.
It's not a matter of emulating any one thing. It's a part of the psyche of our culture. Good looks = big bust, hour glass figure, full lips, etc. That toy, although not the cause, is a sure sign of the symptom.
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