Bulimia Barbie

I came across this article last week and I just found it extremely interesting. I highly encourage you to read it too. I'll put the link at the bottom of this post. You may want to read it before reading my commentary on it.

I think Mattel should take this revelation as a sign of the times... and a sign that a new Barbie campaign should be in the works. When Barbie was first released to the world she was very befitting of the idea of an American woman: Petite, elegent mom at home. And while I (much like the creator of the life-sized barbie)played with her as a kid and bear no hard feelings toward the doll, I do believe that Mattel has fallen behind in keeping Barbie up with important social happenings and issues.

Barbie has developed a vast cultural line, including different races of Barbie as well as Barbies from a variety of different countries. But they are all variations of a theme: no different from the original aside from color and clothing (and perhaps a different set of accessories). Even the modeling world is, albeit slowly, branching out into 'plus' size and shorter than average models.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not advocating for an obese Barbie to visually display the current struggle that is sweeping the US. But what about a normal, averagely proportioned Barbie? What a great tool to talk with young kids about bodies, self-esteem, and confidence in being yourself. Barbie has such an influential potential with little kids and parents alike. I think Mattel has a great opportunity to jump on board with changes to make kids healthier and all the wiser when it comes to growing up both physically and mentally secure. Healthy school lunches, campaigns with companies such as Dove, and other attempts to correct our society's twisted view of ourselves and how we "should" be are opening doors for those, like Mattel, to not only cash in but assist in making sure the changing times are for the better.

So, Mattel. Get on it.

Here's the article:

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-20055694-10391704.html