Why Is Barbie A Role Model

Merriam-Webster defines “idol” as “a greatly loved or admired person.” So what exactly does it take to be considered an idol? If the answer includes being a strong role model for young girls and staying relevant for over 50 years, Barbie fits the bill perfectly.

Over the years, Barbie dolls have received a lot of criticism in the feminist community, but for what? With an unrealistically tiny waist and idealized looks, she’s almost too perfect. That kind of role model couldn’t be healthy for young girls. These judgements have been made for decades, but it seems that society has lost the true meaning of feminism. Instead of analyzing Barbie’s immense success and drivenness, the critics reduce Barbie to a stereotypical dumb blonde. Despite countless criticisms for her unrealistic body proportions, Barbie has proven time and time again to be a fantastic role model for girls in their perception of gender roles, possible career choices, and physical limitations.

Imagining gender roles in the 1950s, one idea probably comes to mind: A man comes home from work, greeted eagerly by his children, and sits down to eat the family dinner his wife has lovingly prepared. Little girls dreamt of one day finding husbands and carrying on this seemingly ancient tradition, until something curious came about. Amidst this period of extremely sexist family values came Barbie, one of the first dolls for girls that didn’t reinforce rigid gender roles. She encouraged girls to “be who they wanna be,” and not only did Barbie verbalize this idea, she practiced what she preached. Throughout her existence, Barbie has held more male-dominant jobs than any real woman ever has, including a doctor, CEO, and even President of the United States.

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...irls only perpetuates the cycle of insecurity. Barbie is only as good or bad a role model as society makes her out to be, and the day parents start teaching their children that they shouldn’t take body type into consideration is the day Barbie finally starts being the amazing role model she was meant to be.

In essence, Barbie teaches girls not only that their options are endless, but also that it’s very possible to pursue a career and not give up your individual identity. “Through their [her children’s] play Barbara imagined their lives as adults. They used the dolls to reflect the adult world around them. They would sit and carry on conversations, making the dolls real people.” Ruth Handler had big plans for this little doll when she came up with the idea, and has since provided a creative outlet for little girls everywhere to act out their hopes and dreams.