Did you play with Barbie as a kid? I was probably her biggest fan and carried her absolutely everywhere! There has always been that debate about her body type and whether or not it creates the incorrect body image for young girls. It’s pretty interesting to hear either side.
I came across this article from a Pennsylvania researcher and artist Nickolay Lamm– “What would Barbie look like as an average woman.” Using measurements of an average 19 year old girl, Nickolay created this 3D model and compared directly with Barbie. I wanted to share the images with you.
(It looks like Barbie finally squats!! ;))
First and foremost, I don’t believe in criticizing any body type, shape or form. It is important to live a healthy lifestyle and take care of your skin, body and well-being, no matter what shape that may be. We all have different ideas of “the perfect body” and should never criticize or look at someone differently because of their shape. We need to learn to be comfortable and confident in our own skin and that’s what matters most.
Lets discuss! What are your thoughts on Barbie’s makeover to reflect the average woman?
Do you think Mattel’s view of Barbie gives an unrealistic image for young girls? Do you think they should produce this version of the “real” person? Let me know if the comments!
Wow this is really interesting. I always knew Barbie looked nothing like real girls, but seeing her side-by-side with this realistic body type really shocks me. I absolutely loved Barbies when I was younger, and I would have loved her just as much no matter how she looked. Maybe it’s best for young girls to play with more realistic Barbies, but I really don’t know.
I actually think the realistic Barbie’s body looks better!!! She looks ‘athletic’ which I find to be beautiful! Nice post!
I always loved Barbie, and as a kid, I don’t remember consciously realizing that her body made me feel insecure about myself. Honestly, I think that my insecurities came later, with celebrities, magazines, and super models. But I love that someone revamped her, and I love that people are loving it! She looks a lot more athletic, and you gotta love that booty! All in all, I’d have to say that I’m happy that someone made this version. At the very least, it really gives some perspective into how skewed our society is in terms of beauty!
Personally, I think it’s just a doll. I played with Barbie as a kid and I’m also very much about appearance and I never once idolized Barbie’s shape. A real person, yes. A doll, no.Do I think the other Barbie is more realistic? Sure. But as you mentioned we all have different body times. I could do squats until I’m blue in the face and my butt would never look as good as the new Barbie.
I love Barbie’s new look. She reminds me of Skipper, Barbie’s little sister – the one no one in my house wanted to play with. My sister and I played with Barbie’s for hours when we were kids. I think I recovered okay, but my sister has an unrealistic view of beauty that I am convinced came from too many Barbie’s and fairy tales. She made a super big deal when one of our nieces was born with brown hair instead of blond. I think she forgot her blond hair comes from a bottle. I also think the emphasis on unattainable model thin bodies as the ideal is worse now than when I was growing up in the 70’s. If this doll was available I’d buy one for my little brown haired niece.