Ruth Handler Research Paper

Today, over ninety-four million Barbies are sold annually across the globe (Seth). Ruth Handler, the cofounder of Mattel Incorporated, had the brilliant idea for Barbie when her own daughter had no interest in baby dolls. On a trip to Germany, Handler spotted the Lilli Doll, a gag gift doll with adult features and fashionable clothes, and the idea sprang: create a teenage fashion model doll that can inspire young girls to become whatever they want (Winters). At first the idea was rejected when pitched to Mattel’s team, claiming it to be “too expensive” to manufacture, but Handler was determined to change their minds. She met with a marketing specialist to explore the possible success of Barbie, and his results showed that she would be a hit (Winters). Handler first debuted

“If the traditional Barbie doll was a real woman, she would be 5’9” and weigh 120 pounds. So what do Barbie dolls teach children about the world? They teach children that it is desirable to be thin, white, and blonde. They may encourage children to strive for an unrealistic body image” (Barbie and Body). Ruth’s intention was for the doll to be a doll, not a functional human, but numerous people take offense to Barbie’s body. In response to these concerns, Mattel has introduced “A Barbie for Every Body”. Barbie has represented over 40 nationalities and now, three new body types. “Girls and women don’t come in one shape, and now, finally, Barbie won’t either. Now, in addition to the original Barbie—impossibly slender and often parodied—the doll will come in tall, petite, and curvy varieties” (Pearson). With the addition of new body types, Barbie sales increase even more by a roaring 23 percent just last year (Grossman). People have found the new, realistic Barbies to inspire girls to be comfortable and confident with their