Assignment 2-1 Weekly Written Analysis 2

At first glance, Barbie appears to be a stereotype of what the world believes all women want to look like.  Opinions vary as to the quality of the influence on children who play with Barbie and the adults they become (Petracca & Sorapure, 2007, p.8). I was in no hurry ten years ago when I had my daughter to run out and get some of the dolls that where in stores. I had no intention of reinforcing what some of society puts out there for young woman to compare themselves to. However, she somehow found her way to Barbie anyway.

My daughter, Rachel, started wanting a Barbie when she was four years old. After that it grew to wanting the Barbie house, more dolls, clothes, shoes and the list goes on. I could not understand why this sudden interest in this doll. I was a little surprised that she was not interested in what was around the house, what her older brothers played with. But inevitably, she somehow had a desire for dolls and pretend play.

Barbie may not be everyone's favorite toy for girls, but she really is not as bad as she seems. As long as a child has positive role models in real life and someone to discuss things with, pretend time is fine. It is fun for them to have that imaginary time with the endless wardrobe, doll convertibles and different hairstyles. Barbie’s critics argue that her influence is detrimental, that her measurements (36-18-33), her improbable hair and her inexhaustible supply of clothes help perpetuate an inappropriate model of woman’s interest (Petracca & Sorapure, 2007, p.8). As a young girl there is a fascination with Barbie, she is something out of the ordinary, everyday life of a girl and that is what the appeal is. Barbie is all about an exaggerated fantasy and pretending game.

Rachel has grown away from Barbie’s; she has moved on from the pretend play and is into real life activities and socializing with her friends. She never relied on Barbie, or any other toys, to be her role model. Thankfully she looks to me and other woman in her life for that. Barbie was just a play toy for a short time. I think some people may invest too much time and worry into Barbie, if a girl wants to be like Barbie I believe there may be other issues besides just playing with a doll. I have always taught Rachel that she is beautiful from the inside out and how boring it would be if we were all alike on the outside, hopefully she holds on to this.

References

Petracca, M., Sorapure, M. (2007). Common Culture (5^th ed.). New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall.